Licorice
Licorice is the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza glabra, prized for its distinctive sweet, anise-like flavor that is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Used extensively in confectionery, beverages, traditional medicine, and savory cooking across Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines. Licorice root imparts complex sweet-bitter notes with subtle herbal undertones, making it valuable both as a flavoring agent and functional ingredient.
Flavor Profile
Intense natural sweetness with molasses-like undertones, derived from glycyrrhizin compound
Strong distinctive licorice character with subtle fennel and anethole notes
Dry, earthy, woody undertones with slight bitter finish reminiscent of medicinal herbs
Subtle savory depth that balances sweetness in complex applications
Seasonality
Year-round availability as dried root (harvested in fall)
Year-round in dried form; fresh root available late August through November
Best Months
Culinary Uses
Available Forms
Key Techniques
- Simmering in decoctions
- Steeping for infusions
- Grinding to powder
- Chewing whole roots
- Decocting with complementary herbs
- Extracting in alcohol for tinctures
- Boiling with grains and legumes
- Reduction in syrups
Classic Dishes
Flavor Pairings
Perfect Pairings
Traditional pairing in TCM creating sweet, nourishing blends that support qi; dates' subtle sweetness complements licorice's intensity
Cooling herb balances licorice's warming nature; refreshing pair in beverages and herbal preparations
Licorice notes in sarsaparilla are amplified and refined by anise spice; creates sophisticated herbal-floral profile
Complementary warming spices that balance together; ginger's heat moderates licorice's sweetness while both support digestive health
Similar aromatic profiles with anethole compound create harmonious licorice-forward flavor profiles in teas and decoctions
Good Pairings
Aromatic warming spice adds complexity to licorice-based beverages and herbal blends without overpowering
Tangerine peel or dried lemon adds brightness to cut through licorice's intensity in complex herbal blends
Complementary bitter-sweet herb frequently paired in TCM formulas and traditional European herbal preparations
Storage & Handling
Method
Cool, humid storage in breathable containers or buried in sand/soil in cool cellar
Duration
2-3 months when properly stored
Pro Tips
- Store in cool (50-60°F), humid conditions to prevent drying out
- Keep away from direct light to preserve potency
- Check periodically for mold or sprouting
- Brush off excess soil but don't wash until use
Origin & Heritage
History
Licorice cultivation dates back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, with evidence of use in medicinal preparations circa 2300 BCE. The plant became known to Greeks and Romans through trade routes, particularly valued by Hippocrates and Dioscorides as a respiratory remedy. Medieval monks cultivated licorice extensively in European monasteries, and by the 16th century, licorice root candy became popular in northern Europe, particularly in England and Scandinavia. Modern commercial cultivation expanded in Iran, Spain, and the Levantine region during the 19th-20th centuries.
Cultural Significance
Licorice holds profound significance in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it's called 'gan cao' and considered a harmonizing herb used in approximately 70% of TCM formulas. In Scandinavian and Northern European cultures, licorice candy represents a cultural icon, with distinctive salty-sweet variants unique to each region. Middle Eastern cuisines incorporate licorice in both sweet and savory preparations, symbolizing balance and medicinal wisdom.
The Science
Understanding the key chemical compounds helps explain why licorice pairs well with certain ingredients.
Primary bioactive compound providing 50x sweetness of sucrose; responsible for characteristic flavor and most health benefits; creates the distinctive licorice taste and aroma
Aromatic compound also found in anise and fennel; provides the anise-like licorice note and contributes to flavor complexity
Potent antioxidant compounds providing anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting effects; contribute to herbal and slightly bitter undertones
Aromatic compounds contributing to licorice's distinctive herbal-woody aroma and traditional medicinal properties
Flavanone compound with potential estrogenic and anti-inflammatory effects; contributes to licorice's traditional use in women's health preparations
Soothing compounds that create throat-coating effect; responsible for cough-suppressing and respiratory-soothing properties
Quick Tips
TL;DR for Licorice
Best For
Licorice Root Tea (Gan Cao Cha), Scandinavian Licorice Candy (Lakrids/Lakritsi)
Top Pairing
Red Date Jujube
Pro Tip
Simmering in decoctions
Storage
2-3 months when properly stored fresh · 1-2 years in standard freezer; up to 3 years in deep freezer frozen
Nutrition
Per 100g
Health Benefits
- Supports respiratory health and may soothe coughs and sore throats through mucilage content
- Anti-inflammatory properties may reduce inflammation in digestive tract and joints
- Contains compounds that support immune function and antimicrobial activity
- May aid digestive health by promoting beneficial gut bacteria and soothing gastric lining
Buying Guide
Price Range: $$
Look For
- Roots are firm and unbroken with minimal splits or soft spots
- Sweet aroma is immediately apparent when root is broken or chewed
- Yellow to tan color inside when cross-sectioned indicates freshness
- Flexible without brittleness (aged roots become too hard)
Avoid
- Soft, mushy texture or visible mold (white, black, or colored spots)
- Musty, fermented, or sour smell indicating decay or improper storage
- Very hard, brittle roots that crumble easily (excessive age or poor drying)
- Gray or dark discoloration indicating oxidation or contamination
Where to Find
- Specialty spice shops and ethnic markets (Asian, Middle Eastern, Italian), Traditional Chinese medicine suppliers and herbal apothecaries, European health food stores and herbalists, Online suppliers specializing in medicinal herbs and traditional ingredients, Bulk herb suppliers and apothecaries, Well-stocked natural food markets with medicinal herb sections, Middle Eastern and Persian markets
Did You Know?
- 1.Licorice root is 50 times sweeter than sugar due to glycyrrhizin, yet contains virtually no calories from the sweetening compound itself - the root's caloric content comes from other carbohydrates
- 2.In Traditional Chinese Medicine, licorice root appears in approximately 70% of herbal formulas, earning it the title 'grand mediator' for its ability to harmonize and balance other herbs
- 3.The British Navy issued licorice root to sailors in the 18th century to suppress thirst and combat scurvy, as it provides soothing relief and contains minerals beneficial for health
- 4.Scandinavian countries consume more licorice candy per capita than anywhere else in the world, with some regional variations including salty licorice (salmiakki) that seems bizarre to outsiders but is deeply beloved in Nordic culture
- 5.Excessive licorice consumption can cause pseudoaldosteronism, leading to potassium depletion and sodium retention; consuming more than 100g daily of licorice root for extended periods may cause health issues
Plating Guidance
Explore all techniques →Vessel
As accent - dust or sprinkle on finished dishes
Color Palette
Use sparingly for color contrast and visual interest
Arrangements
Garnish Ideas