Using Licorice in Candies
Licorice is a traditional herb which has been consumed in cooking and traditional medicine for a long time. Licorice is considered a natural sweetener and flavoring. It creates a distinctive taste and aroma in products. Various industries use this plant because of its special features. Confectionary, candy and chocolate production are among these industries.
Sepidan Osareh Jonoob Co. presents some information about using licorice in candies which is presented in this article.
This natural sweetener has many advantages in comparison with artificial ones. It also protects our oral and dental health. In addition, licorice has some other benefits for our body such as weight loss, treatment of stomach disorders and fatty liver, strengthening the immune system etc.
Using licorice in candies and confectionary is very popular. Licorice has a long history of treating bronchitis, cough, cold and sore throat, digestive problems and many more.
In Europe and China, licorice root in dried and natural form has been very popular as a sweetener since ancient times. Over time, licorice candy makers have produced various flavors including strawberries, cherries, raspberries and many other flavors.
Licorice candy is produced in a vast variety of forms like twists, balls, jellybeans and so on. In some regions like North America, black licorice is usually used in confectionary and making candies.
At first licorice is sold in the form pastille, lozenge and rod to reduce sore throat and cough. This is how it found its place in making candies.
The sweetness in licorice is due to the existence of glycyrrhizin, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar.
Some candies are flavored with licorice root extract which have different shapes like tubes or chewy ropes. They are black licorice candies. By 20th century, these candies were popular among children and adults. Licorice candies are usually gelled and glossy. Licorice candies continue to be popular while in annual candy and chocolate market it devotes a considerable portion to itself.
licorice usage has been changed during the passage of time. In the beginning it was considered an herbal remedy and was used in drinks. Afterwards its culinary usage was noticed.
Some factories first produced boiled sweets but then produced jellies and licorice candies. Licorice in various shapes like pastilles and colored forms with fruit flavor was presented. Soft licorice in the twenties was introduced as a licorice candy.
Reference: iranlicorice.com
