If you're in the mood for a sweet treat to eat, you're in luck. April 12 is National Licorice Day, an annual holiday that celebrates one of those products that people either love or they hate - licorice.
Licorice
Licorice, a low-growing perennial herb cultivated in Iran, India, Spain and Russia, is actually considered a weed. The root of the plant contains glycyrrhizic acid, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Licorice extract is used as a flavoring in many products including alcohol, tobacco, soft drinks, tea and of course, candy. Today's licorice candy is available in a rainbow of colors.
Health Benefits of Licorice
Consumed for centuries, licorice has been used as a remedy for a variety of ailments including sore throats, coughs, heartburn, bronchitis and stomach ulcers. Licorice may also help slow the effects of aging on the brain and help with hair loss. Legend has it that Napoleon Bonaparte ate so much of it after battle, his teeth turned black!
Health Warnings
But while small amounts of licorice may provide some health benefits, folks with high blood pressure, a history of heart disease or diabetes should avoid it. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), eating just 2 ounces of black licorice a day for two weeks could cause an irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia for people 40 or older! Glycyrrhizic acid can cause a decrease in potassium levels, which could lead to swelling, congestive heart failure and lethargy.
The FDA recommends people should not consume large amounts of black licorice at a time, regardless of age. If you notice an irregular heart rhythm after eating black licorice, stop eating it and contact your healthcare physician.
If you are a licorice lover , why not whip up one or two of the following licorice-inspired recipes below in honor of National Licorice Day?
Licorice Dishes & Cocktails
- Homemade Black Licorice Twists - Why buy when you can make your own? You can store these sweet treats in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Salted Licorice - This recipe calls for heavy cream, whole milk, black licorice, salts, egg yolks and sugar.
- Licorice Lollipops - You'll need granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, anise extract, black paste food coloring, lollipop sticks and candy molds.
- Licorice Wands - This 5-star recipe, from Betty Crocker, is too cute and simple to make. You'll need almond bark candy, licorice twists and candy sprinkles and colored sugars.
- Lifesaver Cookies - These little cookies are sweet!
- Licorice Milkshake (without ice cream) - You'll need milk, heavy cream, sugar, pure anise oil, ice and black licorice pieces.
- Hairy Armpit - This popular cocktail with an interesting name, calls for Ouzo anise liqueur and fresh grapefruit juice.
- Black Widow Cocktail - This 5-star cocktail, from Sandra Lee, calls for vanilla vodka, espresso, black anise-flavored liqueur and black licorice for garnish.
- Bag of Fifth - This top-rated cocktail calls for Pernod licorice liqueur, Tia Maria coffee liqueur and crushed ice.
- Licorice Stick - You'll need vodka, sambuca and a licorice stick for this one.
- Intense Liquorice Sour -This cocktail calls for Belvedere Intense, lemon juice, licorice syrup, licorice bitters and a dash of egg white.
- Black Cloud Cocktail - This pretty drink calls for orange soda, orange juice, orange liqueur, black vodka, peppermint sticks and licorice wheels.
Licorice International will be celebrating National Licorice Day 2013 on Friday, April 12. Stop by between 9:30 - 5:30 and enjoy a sample of their delicious licorice-inspired coffees, teas and of course, candies.
Enjoy!
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