Licorice Has Been Used As A Pharmaceutical

National Licorice Day is observed each year on April 12.  This day was created to celebrate black licorice, its history, health benefits and world renown.  Enjoy black licorice in twists, stem shaped candies, licorice ropes, jelly beans, jewels and many others.

Of course, the designation has evolved as people consign all types and flavors of licorice to celebrate the day.

1. The botanical name for licorice translates to “sweet root.”
2. The licorice plant is actually a member of the pea family.
3. Licorice gets its flavor from glycyrrhizic acid, a chemical 50x sweeter than sugar!
4. This flavor is used in many products other than licorice candy, such as alcohol, tobacco, and of course food.
5. Carbenoxolone, a compound derived from licorice root, may help slow the effects of aging on the brain.
6. Licorice helps relieve the pains that accompany certain types of ulcers, and it is good for the adrenal glands.
7. Licorice root is a botanical ingredient in modern Chinese medicines used to manage cancers. Current research conducted at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, supports the use of licorice in the treatment of prostate and breast cancer.
8. In Egypt the Pharaohs used licorice to create a traditional drink called eresos, which was consumed as a healing tonic.
9. Licorice is not a recent discovery. The ancient Egyptians used it as a pharmaceutical, and copious supplies were found in King Tut’s tomb. Egyptian hieroglyphics record the use of licorice as a popular beverage among the men of the time.
10. Manuscripts from 360 A.D. talk of licorice helping eye ailments, skin diseases, coughs, and loss of hair. Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar are on record as endorsing the benefits of eating licorice. Since the 14th century, it has been used to soothe coughs, colds, and bronchitis.
11. Modern licorice candy dates back to 17th century Holland.
12. The licorice plant, a shrub, is officially a weed. It is about four feet tall with purplish flowers and grows in hot, dry places.
13. The ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese, and Hindus recognized the natural medicinal qualities of licorice.
14. In the United States, anise seed is a popular substitute flavoring for licorice. Although the anise seed has an unmistakable licorice flavor, it is not related to the European plant whose roots are the source of true licorice.
15. Napoleon Bonaparte found licorice soothing during battle; he allegedly ate so much of it that his teeth turned black.
16. More than 30,000 tons of Red Vines® are made each year—or more than 400,000 miles of licorice—enough to wrap around the Earth more than 16 times!
17. In 2011, U.S. licorice sales topped $359 million, a 6.56 percent increase from the year before. It is part of the non-chocolate candy market, which had total sales of $6.87 billion.
18. Black licorice is 50 times sweeter than sugar, and derives its botanical name from the Greek words meaning “sweet root.”
19. Celebrities love Red Vines! Ryan Gosling, Snoop Dogg, Joshua Jackson, Jennette McCurdy and Magic Johnson are all fans of the classic licorice brand. Betty White even credits them with keeping her 91 years young.
20. American Licorice Company has been producing in the San Francisco Bay Area for 33 years, and its Union City, Calif., factory values process before automation: The old press that delivers the dough to the first floor is still there, the second floor cook room has large kettles that fill the dough into the old large spiral ovens before being checked for quality and packaged. It also has production facilities in La Porte, Ind.

Sources:

National Day Calendar

Foodimentary

Mobile-Cuisine

Midget Momma