In this short series, I will try to shed some light on the history of the „black edible gold“ of licorice.
Wikipedia says the word licorice is derived (via the Old French licoresse) from a Greek word (glukurrhiza), meaning "sweet root“. It is usually spelled liquorice in British usage, but licorice in the United States and Canada.
Licorice has been used for ages. In Egypt, Licorice is a grave gift. It is said it was for the last journey of hunger. Alexander the Great supplied his troops with rations of Licorice root whilst marching, since Licorice has a thirst-quenching quality.
The licorice we know today, as a candy item, has had to go a long way. But it all started in the medical and herbal kitchen.