Licorice

Licorice refers to both a plant-derived flavoring and the confections that use it. The flavor comes mainly from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, a perennial plant native to parts of Europe and Asia. The root contains glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid), a compound about 50 times sweeter than sucrose, which gives licorice its characteristic sweetness and odor. Extracts and flavorings from the root are used in candies, beverages, and some medicines.

Flavor and composition are complex. In addition to glycyrrhizin, licorice flavor arises from other constituents such as flavonoids and various essential oils. Commercial black licorice candies typically combine licorice extract with sweeteners and flavorings, while some varieties use ammonium chloride to create a distinctive biting finish. Deglycyrrhinated licorice (DGL) is processed to remove most glycyrrhizin for safer use in supplements.

Uses and cultural reach. Licorice has a long history in traditional medicine and cuisine, used as a demulcent for throat irritation and as an aid for digestive discomfort in some cultures. It remains a popular flavoring in candies, chewing gum, and certain beverages. In many markets, licorice products come in a range of flavors and colors, with black licorice containing licorice extract and red or fruit-flavored versions often relying on alternative flavorings.

Safety and regulation. Prolonged or excessive intake of glycyrrhizin can cause potassium loss, high blood pressure, edema, and other adverse effects, particularly in people with heart, kidney, or blood pressure concerns. Pregnant individuals are often advised to limit intake. Some products use deglycyrrhinated licorice to reduce these risks. Regulatory guidance varies by country, reflecting differing dietary safety standards.

Cultivation and production. Glycyrrhiza glabra is cultivated in various temperate regions for its medicinal and flavoring roots. Roots are typically harvested after several years of growth, dried, and processed into extracts or powders used in food, herbal medicines, and flavorings.