What is Liquorice, Where its Flavour Comes From, and How it’s Made

That big question many ask… What is Liquorice? Liquorice is one of those flavors that people either love or find surprising. Known for its distinctive sweet, slightly salty, and sometimes bitter taste, it has been enjoyed for centuries across different cultures. But what exactly is liquorice, where does its unique taste come from, and how is it made? In this blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating world of liquorice and discover which European countries are famous for producing the best varieties.

What is Liquorice?

So let’s get to the roots of; What is Liquorice? Liquorice comes from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, which grows naturally in parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The name “liquorice” comes from the Greek words glukos (sweet) and rhiza (root), highlighting its naturally sweet taste.

The use of liquorice dates back thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans valued it not only as a sweet treat but also for its medicinal properties. Today, liquorice is used in candies, herbal teas, and even traditional medicines. It is especially popular in Northern and Central Europe, where strong and salty varieties are widely consumed.

Where Does the Taste of Liquorice Come From?

The signature flavour of liquorice comes from a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is found in high concentrations in the root of the plant. This natural sweetener is up to 50 times sweeter than sugar, giving liquorice its distinctive taste.

In addition to glycyrrhizin, liquorice often contains aniseed oil, which enhances its flavour and gives it the familiar taste found in many liquorice candies. Aniseed oil is commonly used in commercial liquorice production, especially in places where liquorice extract is less available.

Some liquorice varieties, particularly in Northern Europe, include salmiak (ammonium chloride), which creates an intense salty and slightly tangy taste. This is especially popular in Finland, Netherlands, and Denmark, where people enjoy liquorice with a strong, salty kick.

How Is Liquorice Made?

Liquorice production involves a few key steps, transforming the raw root into the chewy candy we know today. Here’s how it’s made:

1️⃣ Harvesting and Drying – The roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant are harvested, cleaned, and dried. This process concentrates the natural flavours.

2️⃣ Extraction – The dried roots are boiled in water to extract the sweet compounds. This creates a thick, dark syrup known as liquorice extract.

3️⃣ Mixing and Flavoring – The liquorice extract is combined with ingredients like wheat flour, starch, sugar, and aniseed oil. Some varieties also include salmiak (ammonium chloride) for a salty taste.

4️⃣ Shaping and Drying – The mixture is then shaped into sticks, wheels, or other forms and left to dry until it reaches the desired consistency.

5️⃣ Packaging and Distribution – Once the liquorice is ready, it is packaged and distributed worldwide, with different countries producing unique variations based on local preferences.

Which European Countries Produce the Best Liquorice?

While liquorice is enjoyed worldwide, some European countries are particularly well known for their high-quality and distinctive varieties:

1. Finland & Sweden 🇫🇮🇸🇪

Liquorice is a favorite in Finland and Sweden, often paired with chocolate for a unique combination of flavors. Finland and Sweden enjoy salty liquorice, which is sometimes covered in a fine layer of salmiak for an extra punch.

2. Denmark 🇩🇰

Danish liquorice is known for being strong and often combined with chocolate or chili for an extra twist. Salty liquorice is also very popular in Denmark, and the country is home to many high-quality liquorice brands.

3. The Netherlands 🇳🇱

The Dutch are famous for their love of drop, a strong, salty liquorice that can be an acquired taste for those unfamiliar with it. Some varieties contain salmiak, giving them a bold, tangy kick. The Netherlands produces a wide range of liquorice, from sweet to extremely salty.

4. Italy 🇮🇹

Surprising – Italy, particularly the Calabria region, is famous for producing some of the purest and most intense liquorice in the world. Unlike Northern European varieties, Italian liquorice is usually unsweetened and highly concentrated, making it a favorite among true liquorice enthusiasts.

So.. Now We Know What is Liquorice!

Liquorice is much more than just a candy – it’s a complex and fascinating treat with a deep history and a variety of unique flavours. Whether you prefer sweet, salty, or strong liquorice, there’s something for everyone. If you haven’t tried liquorice from different European countries, you might be surprised by how different each variety can be!

Finally we have are here to bring all together and available for you. Take a look Godis Fabrica SHOP page, explore the world of salty and sweet liquorice, and drop some new liquorice candies in your shopping bag.

Are you a liquorice lover, or are you still getting used to its bold flavour? Let us know in the comments!

Remember to also follow us in social media, there you can find great inspiration to fill up your perfect candy bag! Go and check out @godisfabrica Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or Pinterest ! Welcome to Godis Fábrica family! ❤️

“If we are what we eat, better eat something sweet.” – Godis Fábrica