Liquorice Root

Liquorice This spice comes from the root of the Glycyrrhiza

glabra plant. The herb contains glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid,

flavorids, asparagine, iso-flavorids, and chalcones Native to Eurasia, North Africa, and Western Asia Grown in dry, open scrubland, damp ditches or

near streams. Is harvested by digging up the entire plant to get to

the roots which are then cleaned, trimmed, sorted, and dried.

Uses Liquorice Root contains the compound

glycyrrhizin, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar.

Therefore it was used in flavoring for confectionery

Can be found in whole root, powdered, or liquid extract form.

One of the oldest used herbs for medical purposes

Uses cont. Liquorice root is a demulcent and gentle relaxant,

soothing to mucous irritations, and valued chiefly for its sweet taste

It is used in treatment for coughs, colds, and other bronchial irritations

Glycyrrhiza glabra has been used to treat sore throats, mouth ulcers, stomach ulcers, inflammatory stomach conditions and indigestion

90% of Liquorice used today is used to flavor tobacco

Cuisine Liquorice extract is used in making confectionery. The extract

is produced by boiling the root and allowing the water to the evaporate from the liquid.

Long-term use of products containing glycyrrhizin(found in liquorice root) can cause hypertension through peripheral edema.

Licorice candy was originally made with liquorice root, it is now normally made with anise.

Besides it's use in tobacco, the most common use for liquorice root in the United States is in herbal teas.

ReferencesDrop - Dutch Licorice - Dutch Liquorice. (n.d.). Dutch Cooking.

Retrieved May 23, 2013, from http://dutchfood.about.com/od/dessertssweets/a/DroppedinIt.htm

Glycyrrhiza glabra | lacrosse . (n.d.). Ayurveda Herbs Essential Oils - Wholesale Herbal Extracts. Retrieved May 23, 2013, from http://www.101herbs.com/glycyrrhiza-glabra.html

Medicinal use of Liquorice | Medindia. (n.d.). Medindia - Medical/Health Website. Retrieved May 23, 2013, from http://www.medindia.net/alternativemedicine/Liquorice.asp