Licorice

About Licorice

The root of Glycyrrhiza glabra contains glycyrrhizin, a compound many times sweeter than sugar. It has been used in medicine across Europe, the Middle East, and China for thousands of years and is one of the most common ingredients in traditional Chinese formulas. Eating large amounts can raise blood pressure and lower potassium levels. Much licorice candy outside Europe is actually flavored with anise. The Netherlands has one of the highest rates of licorice consumption in the world. Pontefract in Yorkshire was famous for growing it.