On April 12 each year, National Licorice Day pays tribute to licorice in all its diverse forms, celebrating the various recipes it is utilized in and acknowledging its health benefits. The day highlights the global history, health advantages, and unique qualities of licorice. What makes licorice exceptional is the multitude of ways it can be enjoyed—there are 160 different ways! With a plethora of options, including licorice candies, ropes, jelly beans, jewels, and more, National Licorice Day is embraced by both children and adults, especially those with a fondness for licorice. The simplicity of celebrating this day is its greatest appeal—just ensure you savor plenty of licorice today!

What is Licorice?

Licorice is a sweet, aromatic candy flavored with the extract of the root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra). The root extract gives licorice its characteristic flavor, which is often described as sweet, slightly bitter, and reminiscent of anise or fennel. Licorice is most commonly found in black licorice candies, but the term is also used to describe a variety of sweets that mimic the flavor using anise oil or other ingredients.

History and Origins of National Licorice Day

National Licorice Day was founded in 2004 by Licorice International, one of the largest importers and retailers of licorice in the United States, to celebrate licorice and promote awareness of its various types and flavors. The day was created to honor the long history and cultural impact of licorice, as well as to highlight the wide variety of licorice products enjoyed by people worldwide.

Licorice has been used for centuries, not only as a candy but also for its medicinal properties. Its use dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, and it has been used in traditional medicine across many cultures, including Chinese and Indian medicine.

Why Celebrate National Licorice Day?

• To Enjoy a Unique Flavor: Celebrate the distinctive taste of licorice, which has been a beloved treat for centuries.
• To Learn About Licorice History: Explore the rich history and cultural significance of licorice in different parts of the world.
• To Discover New Varieties: Sample a wide range of licorice candies, from traditional black licorice to fruity or salted varieties, and appreciate the diversity of flavors.

How to Celebrate National Licorice Day

1. Sample Different Types of Licorice: Try a variety of licorice candies, including traditional black licorice, red licorice, salted licorice (popular in Nordic countries), or unique flavors like mango, raspberry, or coffee.
2. Bake with Licorice: Incorporate licorice flavor into your cooking or baking by using licorice extract or powder in recipes like cookies, cakes, or ice cream.
3. Share Licorice with Friends: Introduce friends and family to different types of licorice by hosting a tasting party or gifting them with a selection of licorice treats.
4. Learn About Licorice’s Health Benefits: Read up on the traditional uses of licorice root in herbal medicine and explore its potential benefits for digestion, respiratory health, and more.
5. Support Small Businesses: Purchase licorice from local candy shops or specialty stores that offer unique varieties and flavors from around the world.

Popular Types of Licorice Candy

Licorice candy comes in many different forms and flavors:

• Black Licorice: Made with real licorice extract, black licorice has a strong, distinctive flavor and is the most traditional form of licorice candy.
• Red Licorice: Often flavored with fruit extracts like strawberry or cherry, red licorice does not typically contain actual licorice root and has a sweeter, milder flavor.
• Salty Licorice (Salmiak): Popular in Nordic countries, salty licorice is made with ammonium chloride, giving it a sharp, salty taste that is an acquired taste for many.
• Gummy Licorice: Comes in various shapes like twists, ropes, or wheels, and can be flavored with black licorice, fruit flavors, or a combination of both.
• Licorice Laces and Pipes: Licorice is often molded into fun shapes like laces, pipes, or coins, adding a playful element to the candy.

Fun Facts About Licorice

• Not Just Candy: Licorice root has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years, including as a remedy for digestive issues, sore throats, and respiratory conditions.
• International Popularity: While black licorice is a favorite in countries like the Netherlands, Finland, and Germany, many people in the United States prefer the sweeter, fruit-flavored versions.
• Natural Sweetener: Glycyrrhizin, the compound found in licorice root, is about 50 times sweeter than sugar, making licorice naturally sweet without added sugars.

Health Benefits and Considerations of Licorice

• Potential Health Benefits: Licorice root has been traditionally used to soothe digestive issues, relieve coughs, and reduce inflammation. It also contains antioxidants that may support overall health.
• Moderation is Key: Consuming large amounts of licorice can have adverse effects, especially for people with high blood pressure or heart conditions, due to the compound glycyrrhizin, which can affect potassium levels. It's best to enjoy licorice in moderation.
• Herbal Uses: Licorice is often used in herbal teas and supplements for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Cultural Significance of Licorice

• Traditional Remedies: In traditional Chinese medicine, licorice root is considered one of the most important herbs and is used in numerous formulas for its harmonizing properties.
• Popular in Europe: Licorice candies are a staple in many European countries, especially in Scandinavia, where salted licorice is highly popular. The Dutch consume more licorice per capita than any other nation.
• Licorice Festivals: Some regions celebrate licorice with festivals, such as the Sotteville-lès-Rouen Licorice Festival in France, showcasing licorice-flavored foods, drinks, and crafts.

Tips for Enjoying Licorice in Different Ways

1. Pair Licorice with Other Flavors: Try licorice with flavors that complement its unique taste, such as citrus, berries, or mint.
2. Experiment with Savory Dishes: Incorporate licorice root or extract into savory dishes, such as braised meats, sauces, or marinades, to add a subtle, complex flavor.
3. Infuse Beverages: Use licorice root to make herbal tea or infuse it into spirits like vodka or gin for a distinctive cocktail base.

Why People Love Licorice

• Distinctive Flavor: Licorice has a unique flavor that is unlike any other candy, with a complex profile that can be both sweet and slightly bitter.
• Versatility: Licorice comes in many different forms and flavors, appealing to a wide range of tastes, from sweet to salty, mild to intense.
• Nostalgia: For many, licorice brings back fond childhood memories, whether it was enjoying black licorice twists or discovering new varieties at a candy shop.

National Licorice Day is a wonderful occasion to explore the rich history, diverse flavors, and unique cultural significance of licorice. Whether you enjoy it in candy form, use it in cooking, or appreciate its medicinal benefits, this day is all about celebrating a beloved and distinctive treat.