While not everyone loves the flavor of black licorice, this popular candy has a long and storied history. Flavored with an extract of the licorice root plant, black licorice can actually come in just about any form of candy, but most often you’ll find it molded into chewy ropes or tubes. Learn more about the history of this fascinating flavor in today’s blog!
Black licorice has been used since ancient times.
Licorice root has been used as a flavoring for centuries
Licorice root has been used since ancient times. The Egyptians made a sweet drink using the root which they called “Mai sus” and they believed it to be a cure-all for a wide range of afflictions. In fact, King Tut was buried with large quantities of licorice root in his tomb! However, the Egyptians weren’t the only ones who believed in the health benefits of licorice root; there is much evidence that it was also used by the Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Babylonians, as well as the Brahmans of India. Chewing on the root was believed to assuage thirst, alleviate stomach aches, and provide a host of health-boosting benefits. While many of these claims are not backed up by modern science, the popularity of the flavoring has never waned.
The birth of black licorice candy
By the early 20th century, black licorice candy was an incredibly popular confection, with many companies producing a variety of types. An ad for the National Licorice Co. in 1908 showed that they offered chewy black licorice molded into different shapes, from cigarettes to golf sticks to pan pipes. As only one of a number of candy companies that offered black licorice, it was an undeniably popular confection. Widely available at penny candy stores, black licorice became a perennial favorite among children and adults alike.
Wockenfuss offers an assortment of black licorice candies
Whether you like black licorice flavored jellybeans or prefer classic twists, Wockenfuss offers a wide variety of licorice candies that are sure to please any licorice lover. Children are especially fond of our licorice pipes, a fun and whimsical way to enjoy this treat. And our Australian licorice is a popular treat that’s hard to find anywhere else. Visit any one of our nine locations to pick up your favorite black licorice candies today!
Visit Wockenfuss for a wide assortment of black licorice candies!
If you have any questions about black licorice candies, please contact Wockenfuss Candies: call 1-800-296-4414 or email info@Wockenfusscandies.com. When you’re not savoring our sweets, stay satisfied by following us on Facebook, Twitter,Google+, and Pinterest!