At Licorice.com, we know a lot about licorice — I mean, we love it and we make it! But, how much do YOU know about this wonderful treat? Don't worry, no guessing is needed, because we've put together a little trivia game for you.
Let's jump right in.
Where does the word "Licorice" come from?
The word licorice is Greek, meaning “sweet root.”
How is our favorite candy spelled in the United States vs. the United Kingdom?
The spelling 'licorice' is used in the United States and Canada, while the spelling 'liquorice' is used in the United Kingdom.
Describe the licorice plant.
Licorice is a type of flowering plant found in southern Europe and Asia. The licorice plant stands about 1.5m (5 ft) tall and has small purple and blue flowers.
What is Glycyrrhizin?
Glycyrrhizin is what makes licorice sweet. Did you know glycyrrhizin is 50 times sweeter than sugar? Yes! That’s a whole lot of sweet!
What tastes similar to licorice root, but isn't quite it?
Some of the most popular licorice-flavored candies on the market today are actually flavored with anise, a similar tasting flavor, but not true licorice!
When is National Licorice Day?
Celebrate your love for licorice each year during National Licorice Day on April 12th. Click here to learn more about National Licorice Day!
Name the common licorice confectionery that's popular in Nordic countries.
Salmiak or salmiakki is a type of licorice candy that's common in Germany, Finland, Sweden, and other Nordic countries. It’s flavored with ammonium chloride, which gives it a salty flavor. It’s commonly referred to as “salty liquorice.”
List other names for licorice.
There are several other names for licorice such as sweetroot, black sugar, licorice root, liquorice, and sweetwood.
How do you say "Licorice" in other languages?
Here’s how to say licorice in different languages:
- French: Regliss
- German: Lakritze
- Italian: Liquirizia
- Spanish: Regaliz
- Indian: Mulethi
How was licorice used in historic Egypt?
Licorice was known and favored among Ancient Egyptians. It was used as medicine and in beverages and was even found in famous pharaoh King Tutankhamen’s tomb!
What's the earliest mention of licorice?
There’s a mention of licorice dating back to as early as the 16th century in England. It’s said that Dominican monks brought licorice to Britain and became established around Pontefract in Yorkshire.
Name some historical figures that loved licorice.
Many popular figures in history have loved licorice including famous French military leader Napoleon Bonaparte who loved licorice and ate too much black licorice and his teeth turned black! Now that’s quite a bit of licorice. History also said that Alexander the Great had his armies take licorice with them to chew if they were thirsty when water was scarce!
How has licorice been used as medicine?
Licorice has been used for medicinal purposes around the world with the ancient Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Hindus. It can be used to treat a sore throat and ulcers and even helps to promote adrenal gland function.
How else is licorice flavor used?
Licorice flavoring isn’t just used in candy. Licorice is also used in soft drinks and herbal teas.
How would Italian knights use licorice for romance?
In the Middle Ages, Italian knights used a romantic phrase to dedicate to the ladies they were interested in. The phrase is: "L’amore e’ un sogno, dolce come il latte e la liquirizia." This phrase translates to “Love is a dream, sweet as milk and licorice.” How sweet!
What are licorice benefits in healthcare today?
Licorice is still thought to have benefits in the medical community. New research shows that licorice may help prevent cancer from growing at the cellular level. There are additional clinical studies and research that are still in the works, but it's exciting to think about the possibilities.
How is licorice made?
To make licorice candy, the ingredients are dissolved in water and then heated. The liquid licorice is then poured into molds that give fun licorice shapes like the twisted braid that is iconic.
Name all the licorice flavors.
There are so many products that are similar to licorice that come in a wide variety of flavors such as strawberry, cherry, raspberry, cinnamon, apple, mango, blackcurrant, and watermelon among others. These are often called “licorice” because of their shape but as this list has shown, there’s a lot more to true licorice than meets the eye!
So, how did you do? How well do you know your licorice? Regardless of how you did, head over to Licorice.com to grab a tube of your favorite treat today!
