Licorice sticks

What is licorice stick?

Licorice, licorice, we hear both versions, let's take a moment to explain the difference. In a general way, we use the feminine to talk about the tree and the masculine to talk about the products derived from it, especially the candies. Licorice, therefore, is a plant that bears the scientific name of Glycyrrhiza glabra, "glucus" meaning sweet or sugary in Greek and "rhidza" root. Like many spices and herbs, licorice has been used since antiquity, the Greeks and Romans were very fond of it. It was used to quench thirst, which was very practical during the military campaigns of the time. It is also in China and Egypt that licorice was consumed, it was attributed medicinal properties. It was not until the 18th century that an English pharmacist, George Dunhill, discovered the gustatory properties of licorice. He simply added sugar to it and thus made the first licorice confectionery, the beginning of a great love story with consumers. It is only a century later that French confectioners decide to use licorice, the famous Zan brand is registered in 1884. A century later, Ricqlès-Zan merged with Haribo, known for its famous Rotellas and Car en Sac. Here, I offer you licorice in its pure form, the licorice stick that comes from Turkey.

What is the flavor of licorice stick?

Licorice offers a particular flavor, there are rarely half measures with it, we love it or hate it. The licorice stick brings freshness and aniseed notes both sweet and bitter.

The harvest of the licorice stick

Licorice is mainly cultivated in Mediterranean countries. Here, this plant finds a favorable climate between heat and humidity. The licorice stick, or licorice wood, is none other than the root of this plant. One uses in general the secondary plants without touching the principal plants. It is a game of patience, it is necessary to wait 4 years after the plantation before being able to obtain this stick. When the plant dies, in autumn, one collects the stick of licorice which will be then dried to be consumed as we know it. However, it can also be eaten fresh.

How to use the licorice stick?

First of all, the licorice stick can be consumed alone by chewing it. Beyond the gustatory pleasure it brings, it has been recognized for many years to accompany smokers in withdrawal. But there are many other ways to enjoy the inimitable taste of your licorice stick, throughout the meal and, of course, in infusion.

Our recipe ideas with licorice sticks

The starter: Scallops with licorice

This menu starts very well with this exceptional product that is the scallop and in a very surprising way. Fry the scallops in butter and olive oil and sauté fennel and carrots, sprinkled with grated licorice.

The dish: veal sauté with licorice

Who has never tasted a delicious veal sauté? It is one of the traditional French dishes, and it is a pure delight. But what if you added a little exoticism to it? I suggest you simply slip some licorice powder, obtained by grinding your licorice stick, into your creamy sauce.

The dessert: licorice crème brûlée

The crème brulée is a dessert that melts in the mouth and brings a gustatory pleasure that you can't get enough of. This time, I suggest you add a little licorice. Infuse a stick of licorice when you cook your milk and your dessert will be revolutionized.

The health benefits of licorice sticks

Much more than a pleasure food, the licorice stick is recognized for its various virtues. It acts effectively against digestive disorders, an infusion in the evening will allow you to avoid heartburn and to sleep better. According to some studies, licorice also treats colds and acts favorably on the respiratory tract. Licorice is also registered in the French Codex, the list of medicines used by pharmacists. In cream, it fights against eczema and psoriasis, but also against itching. As I mentioned before, the licorice stick is used to stop smoking. This substitute replaces the gesture of the smoker and fights against stress. Note that an abusive consumption of licorice is not advised. It presents risks at the level of blood pressure. Licorice consumption is not compatible with liver problems, hypertonia or renal insufficiency.

The conservation of licorice sticks

Licorice sticks should preferably be kept away from humidity and light.