In this blog, we explore some common questions about licorice candy, a mouthwatering treat.
Whether you prefer red licorice twists or classic black licorice, licorice candy is a traditional treat many folks know and love. Any kind of candy can make your mouth water, but black licorice has a history and a reputation for being mouthwatering. Why does licorice have a reputation for quenching thirst? Where does licorice come from? What compounds contribute to its mouthwatering properties? In this blog, we explore some common questions about licorice candy, a mouthwatering treat.
Origins of Licorice Candy
Licorice candy is made by heating water, sugar, binders, and licorice extract, then pouring the mixture into molds to create the desired shape. Glycyrrhiza glabra, the licorice plant, is native to parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe. The roots of this herbaceous legume are the source of licorice flavor, and they have been dried, processed, and consumed since antiquity. The Greek biologist Theophrastus mentions licorice in his Historia Plantarum, and Alexander the Great was said to include licorice root in his troops’ rations. People from every time and place have left their mark on licorice, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy this candy’s strong flavor.
Licorice Candy and Licorice Root Under the Microscope
Licorice candy and licorice root both have reputations for quenching thirst and making one’s mouth water, but why does this occur? Well, the candy and the root both contain glycyrrhizin, a naturally occurring sweetener. Glycyrrhizin is just one of many compounds that contribute to the licorice root’s strong flavor and supposed pharmaceutical properties. Salmiak salt (from the Finnish favorite, salty licorice) and other ingredients added to different varieties of licorice candy can also create bursts of mouthwatering flavor.
Licorice Offerings from Wockenfuss
If you’re looking for a confection with roots in antiquity, licorice is the way to go. While modern licorice candy looks markedly different from the dried licorice root enjoyed in Alexander the Great’s time, the intense aroma and mouthwatering flavor remain a constant. Wockenfuss has a wide range of licorice candy, including classic Australian style licorice, licorice pipes, licorice twists, and licorice cream rock, all with real licorice root extract. If you’re not fond of the strong anise flavor of black licorice, enjoy our rainbow or strawberry shoestring varieties! Strawberry twists and chocolate twists provide the same satisfying chew of classic licorice twists with delicious strawberry and chocolate flavors.
A Wide Selection of Delicious Treats from Wockenfuss Candies
Head to WockenfussCandies.com and browse our wide selection of chocolates and candies; we promise you won’t be disappointed! Wockenfuss Candies is one of the oldest candy makers in Baltimore. We opened our doors in 1915 and have proudly served the people of Baltimore ever since. If you have any questions about our wide selection of chocolates, please contact Wockenfuss Candies by calling 1-800-296-4414 or email info@Wockenfusscandies.com. When you’re not savoring our sweets, stay satisfied by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!