What Is Licorice Root?

When most people hear the word "licorice," the first thing they think of usually is candy. However, while the licorice plant, with its useful and flavorful root, creates the foundation for a variety of popular candies, this fascinating plant boasts a wide variety of additional uses, a number of interesting properties and a unique place in the world of horticultural offerings.

Licorice Plant

The licorice root is the root of the licorice plant, a leafy, perennial member of the legume family. Though the plant has a similar flavor to herbs like anise and fennel, it is more closely related to plants like beans and peas. When licorice is harvested, it is the root that is most commonly used rather than the stalk, leaves or seeds.

Appearance

Dried licorice root appears woody, fibrous and stick-like, much like the branches of most trees. However, licorice root remains quite soft when dried. It is golden brown in color on the outside, and ranges from golden yellow to beige on the inside. The root is generally shipped and sold in small sticks, discs or powder.

Taste

The taste of the licorice root varies depending on the size of the stalk in question. While stalks of all size bear the signature licorice flavor (spicy and menthol-like), smaller stalks tend to be saltier while thicker stalks are much sweeter with a hint of salt.

Location and Growing Conditions

The licorice plant is native to southern Europe and part of Asia. The plant flourishes in sunny conditions with deep, moist and fertile soil.

Uses

Licorice root has many uses in food, medicine and practical applications. In its simplest form, the dried root is chewed on its own, but it can also be boiled to create an extract. This extract becomes a primary ingredient in the many types of licorice candy that are created throughout the world, including chews and hard candies. Licorice candy can be strong or mild, salty or sweet, and is often made with other, complementary flavors such as anise. The flavoring properties of licorice root also make it a useful ingredient in items like toothpaste and even cigarettes.
As a medical ingredient, licorice root is a popular part of many traditional Chinese medicine as well as Ayurvedic remedies. In Western medicine, it is often used as a component of cough syrups and as a treatment for canker sores.