Liquorice is one of the most distinctive flavours on the planet. Loved by some, avoided by others, and endlessly fascinating to food historians, liquorice has travelled from ancient medicine to modern confectionery shelves across the globe. Today, its popularity is surging once again, especially in European countries where liquorice is celebrated as both a cultural staple and a gourmet treat.
In this article, we explore the history of liquorice, the different types of liquorice, some surprising liquorice fun facts, and how this bold flavour has become popular worldwide.
What Is Liquorice?
Liquorice comes from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, a flowering legume native to parts of Europe and Asia. The root contains glycyrrhizin, a natural compound that is significantly sweeter than sugar and responsible for liquorice’s unmistakable taste.
While many people associate liquorice with sweets, its roots lie firmly in medicine, herbal remedies, and ancient rituals.
The History of Liquorice: From Ancient Remedy to Global Treat
Ancient Beginnings
Liquorice has been used for over 4,000 years. Ancient Egyptians valued it highly and even placed liquorice root in the tombs of pharaohs. The Greeks and Romans used liquorice to soothe coughs, ease digestion, and combat thirst during long journeys.
Traditional Chinese medicine has also used liquorice root for centuries, often combining it with other herbs to balance flavours and enhance healing properties.
Liquorice in Medieval Europe
By the Middle Ages, liquorice was widely used throughout Europe. Monks cultivated liquorice plants in monastery gardens, using the root to create medicinal tonics and lozenges. The town of Pontefract in England became one of the earliest centres of liquorice production, a legacy that continues today.
The Rise of Liquorice Sweets
In the 18th and 19th centuries, liquorice shifted from medicine to confectionery. Advances in sugar refining made liquorice sweets more affordable and accessible. Liquorice lozenges, pastilles, and sticks became popular across the UK and mainland Europe.
Modern Liquorice and Global Popularity
Today, liquorice is experiencing a renaissance. Artisanal producers, gourmet brands, and natural food enthusiasts have helped reintroduce liquorice to new audiences. From traditional sweets to flavoured spirits, teas, and skincare products, liquorice has become a global ingredient once again.
Different Types of Liquorice
Liquorice varies dramatically depending on ingredients, regional preferences, and production methods. Here are the most popular types of liquorice found around the world.
1. Black Liquorice
The classic variety made using real liquorice root extract. Black liquorice has a deep, bold flavour and is especially popular in the UK, Scandinavia, and parts of the EU.
2. Sweet Liquorice
Often blended with sugar, honey, or molasses, sweet liquorice is milder and more approachable. It’s common in ropes, twists, and soft chews.
3. Salty Liquorice (Salmiak)
A favourite in Nordic countries such as Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Salmiak contains ammonium chloride, giving it a sharp, salty edge that devoted fans adore.
4. Soft Eating Liquorice
Popular across Europe, especially in the Netherlands and Germany. This type has a chewy texture and often includes added flavours like vanilla, chocolate, or fruit.
5. Herbal and Root Liquorice
Closer to its original form, this type uses higher concentrations of liquorice root and fewer sweeteners. Often found in health food shops and herbal teas.
Fun Facts About Liquorice
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Liquorice root is up to 50 times sweeter than sugar.
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Napoleon Bonaparte reportedly chewed liquorice root constantly.
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Salty liquorice is considered a national treasure in several Nordic countries.
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Liquorice flavouring appears in unexpected products like toothpaste, tobacco, and liqueurs.
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The word “liquorice” comes from Greek words meaning “sweet root.”
Liquorice Popularity Across Europe and Beyond
Wholesale liquorice enjoys remarkable popularity throughout the European Union, with each country embracing it differently.
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United Kingdom: Traditional favourites like liquorice allsorts and Pontefract cakes remain iconic.
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Netherlands: One of the world’s biggest consumers of liquorice, offering hundreds of varieties.
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Scandinavia: Salty liquorice dominates, with gourmet brands exporting worldwide.
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Germany and Italy: Known for herbal liquorice drops and natural extracts.
Beyond Europe, liquorice is gaining popularity in the USA, Australia, and parts of Asia, driven by nostalgia, gourmet confectionery trends, and interest in natural ingredients.
Why Liquorice Is More Popular Than Ever
The modern rise of liquorice is powered by several trends:
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Growing interest in heritage and traditional foods
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Increased demand for natural flavours and plant-based ingredients
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Artisanal and premium confectionery markets
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Social media curiosity around bold and unusual tastes
Liquorice is no longer just a sweet. It’s a cultural experience with centuries of history behind every bite.
Final Thoughts
Liquorice is a flavour that refuses to fade into the background. From ancient medicinal root to modern gourmet sensation, its journey spans continents and centuries. Whether sweet, salty, soft, or strong, liquorice continues to divide opinions and delight fans across the world.
Love it or loathe it, liquorice has earned its place as one of the most intriguing flavours in culinary history.