Licorice candies are popular all over the world. In this article, Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Co. presents some information about using licorice in candies, the history and benefits of these candies.
History
Using licorice in candies, chocolate, sweets in the Nordic countries has a long history and countless fans.
In Europe and China, licorice root in dried and natural form has been very popular as a sweetener since ancient times. Over time, licorice candy makers have produced various flavors including strawberries, cherries, raspberries and many other flavors. Licorice in cooking and confectionery has been used since the Middle Ages.
Producing modern licorice candies goes back to 17th century in Holland. But nowadays it is manufactured in America, Australia and Europe and other countries.
At first licorice is sold in the form pastille, lozenge and rod to reduce sore throat and cough. This is how it found its place in making candies.
Some factories first produced boiled sweets but then produced jellies and licorice candies. Licorice in various shapes like pastilles and colored forms with fruit flavor was presented. Soft licorice in the twenties was introduced as a licorice candy.
licorice usage has been changed during the passage of time. In the beginning it was considered an herbal remedy and was used in drinks. Afterwards its culinary usage was noticed. In 13th century Europeans used licorice to sweeten their breads and cakes. One of the oldest candies is licorice candy which dates back to 13th century. Today various industries consume licorice in their products.
In United Kingdom, all sorts of licorice candies are popular, but in some parts of Europe salty and strong flavors of licorice candy is preferred. In Netherlands special type of licorice candy called “drop” has got countless fans. Pontefract in England is one of the places in which licorice grows. It is said that it was the first place where licorice was mixed with sugar and since that time licorice was consumed in making sweets. In 16th century England, the licorice confectionery industry was born and has been a classic favorite ever since. In Italy and Spain people prefer to use licorice in natural form. Natural licorice roots are sold in sweet shops.
In some regions like North America, black licorice is usually used in confectionery and making candies. The main ingredients in licorice candies are licorice extract, sugar and binder. Sometimes anise is used instead of licorice for flavoring in making these candies.
Benefits
A huge amount of sugar and food additives are used in confectionery products and candies. Licorice is used as a natural flavoring and sweetener in this industry.
Because cakes, sweets, chocolates and candies contain sugar, they have a harmful effect on health and obesity.
On the other hand, licorice has a positive effect on weight loss. So, you can enjoy the confectionery products containing licorice and you don’t have to worry about obesity.
This natural sweetener has many advantages in comparison with artificial ones. They also protect our oral and dental health. In addition, licorice has some other benefits for our body such as weight loss, treatment of stomach disorders and fatty liver, strengthening the immune system, cough, sore throat and many others.
Written and Edited by: Meysam Shokripour (Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Co.)
References: iranlicorice.com
