What Country Is Best Known For Licorice

What Country is Best Known for Licorice?

When I was a kid, I remember visiting a candy store and coming across a jar filled with shiny, black candies. I had never tasted anything like it before. Curious, I grabbed a piece of licorice, expecting a sweet treat. Instead, I was met with a robust flavor that danced on my tongue—a mix of sweet and earthy, with a hint of salt. Little did I know, this experience would lead me on a delicious journey to discover which country is best known for licorice.

Typically, most people associate licorice with either black licorice or red licorice. It’s important to clarify right from the start: black licorice is derived from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. Red licorice, on the other hand, is flavored with various fruit extracts and does not contain any actual licorice. For this blog, we're diving deep into the world of black licorice, and the country that truly reigns supreme in this realm is the Netherlands.

The Dutch Love for Licorice

The Netherlands is renowned for its love of licorice, or "drop" as it is called in Dutch. In fact, statistics show that about 60% of the Dutch population consumes licorice regularly. That may sound surprising, especially to those unfamiliar with its distinct taste. The Dutch consume around 40 million kilograms (about 88 million pounds) of licorice each year.! This means if you ever find yourself in the Netherlands, you will not only see licorice everywhere—think shops, supermarkets, and even small kiosks—but you might also witness intense debates over flavor preferences.

This fascination with licorice dates back centuries. Historical records suggest that licorice has been consumed in the region since the 16th century. Dutch licorice makers have perfected the art of crafting various shapes, sizes, and flavors. You’ll find salty, sweet, and even spicy variants on the shelves. The legendary Dutch salty licorice, known as "zoute drop," aims to surprise the palate. For those who consider themselves adventurous, this might just be worth a try.

Licorice Around the World

While the Netherlands dominates the licorice scene, other countries like Italy, Finland, and Sweden also celebrate its unique flavor. Finland, for example, loves its salty licorice with such passion that it introduced it as its national candy. According to Finnish statistics, 85% of Finns eat licorice at least occasionally. The flavor combinations can be astonishingly different, ranging from sweet to intensely salty. You might find it hard to believe how widely licorice preferences can vary by geography.

In Italy, licorice is often fused with Mediterranean flavors to create a unique twist. With a history of incorporating licorice in herbal remedies, Italians see this candy as more than just a treat; it’s a balanced element in some desserts. Italian licorice is frequently found in the form of liquor, as in "liquore di liquirizia." This alcoholic option is gaining traction among non-coffee drinkers. A case study from culinary explorers revealed that many foreign tourists are attracted to this unusual combination when visiting Italy.

The Health Aspect

Curiously, licorice is not just loved for its unique taste. Some studies suggest that licorice root may offer health benefits, particularly in digestive health and perhaps even in respiratory issues. However, it’s crucial to consume it in moderation. Excessive intake can lead to serious health risks, such as high blood pressure.

Final Thoughts: The Strategy Behind Licorice

If you ever find yourself hesitating to try licorice or have had a negative experience with it in the past, remember this: The flavor profile of licorice is deeply rooted in cultural traditions. Each country adds its twist, making it captivating and complex. Whether you agree with the Dutch or the Italians about which form of licorice is best, one thing is clear: You’ll never view licorice the same way again.

So, what will it be? A trip to the Netherlands for some zoute drop or a stroll through an Italian market for liquore di liquirizia? The world of licorice is waiting for you to explore it!

About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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