Category: Liquorice Stories

Pontefract Cakes, the beloved liquorice treats, holds an intriguing secret within the small market town of Pontefract, Yorkshire. Born from the Norman conquest and home to a rich history of royal battles and posh affairs, Pontefract Cakes have been more than just a treat; they’ve been considered a great medicine for centuries.

What could have driven ancient Englanders to work this spongy, black-as-tar delicacy into their diets? Curiosity caught me in my tracks, and I had to find out more. As I began researching the Pontefract Cake’s mysterious past, I unearthed a captivating tale punctuated by multiple monarch disputes and dark love affairs.

My heart raced with excitement as I thought about my next stop: a visit to the abandoned medieval castle that housed this delectable treat’s story. Could its winding walls provide answers as to why liquorice cakes were so important then…and now? Join me on this journey of discovery, where we uncover fairy tales, festival fanatics, and other enchanting delights surrounding Pontefract Cakes!

When it comes to the spelling of Licorice, there is a big difference between Americans and Brits. While the Brits spell it Liquorice, the Americans spell it Licorice. But what most people don’t know is that there is a big difference in how these two words are pronounced.

The American pronunciation for Liquorice is “LICK-uh-rocee” while the British pronunciation is “LEEK-oh-ricee”. This is important because if you want to pronounce the word correctly, you need to make sure that your tongue is positioned at the back of your mouth when pronouncing the word. If you do not have the correct positioning of your tongue, then you will end up with an incorrect pronunciation.

This has always been a bit of a source of contention between the two countries, as each believes that their way of pronouncing it is the right way. But no matter which way you say it, there’s no denying that Licorice is a delicious treat!

And if physiological technical issues are anything to go by, taste and preferences are also key elements in this debate about Liquorice vs Licorice.

What is liquorice all about?

Did you know that because it has unique health properties, the pharmaceutical industry uses harvested natural liquorice in traditional herbal medicines? This product is extracted from the natural roots of a plant: Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Sweet Root). Nature has gifted the plant with super health qualities that have been used to treat health issues since the earliest times, including the medicinal uses of liquorice roots and the liquorice plant. Additionally, liquorice consumption is a common tradition during Ramadan and the warm summer as a thirst quencher, but it is important to be aware of the potential hazards of overconsumption. Liquorice tea and liquorice sweets are used in various cultures and have potential health effects. Liquorice root extract is also used in treating peptic ulcers and other digestive issues.

The Magic of Liquorice: A Natural Sweetener Like No Other

While many of us are familiar with the distinct taste of liquorice sweets, few know about the incredible properties of the liquorice plant itself. This humble root is not only a natural sweetener, but it also boasts a range of potential health benefits, including those of liquorice extract, which is known for treating peptic ulcers and other ailments. Liquorice root has various health benefits, such as improving gut microbiome, oral health, skin conditions, upper respiratory conditions, acid reflux, and indigestion, and it may even help treat certain types of cancer.

From soothing sore throats to easing digestive discomfort, liquorice has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. So the next time you reach for a piece of liquorice candy, remember that you’re not just indulging your sweet tooth – you’re also tapping into the power of nature.

We very much believe in the health benefits of natural Liquorice, too, using it as an ingredient in a variety of non-confectionery products, including luscious soap. SHOP NOW

Liquorice Sweets Trivia

Natural Liquorice is over 50 times sweeter than sugar. Making it the sweetest naturally occurring compound on this planet.

When Jaws uses his steel teeth to bite through the cable car line in the 1979 James Bond film Moonraker, he is actually munching a mouthful of the yummy black stuff. No wonder he took his time.

Love Liquorice? Munch on some history

The Fascinating Journey of Liquorice: From Ancient Times to Modern Delights

Liquorice has been beloved by humans for thousands of years, with its roots (pun intended) stretching back to ancient civilizations. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all recognized the value of this unique plant, using it in everything from medicinal remedies to sweet treats. Today, liquorice remains a popular flavour around the world, found in everything from candy to tea to even savoury dishes. Whether you prefer the classic black variety or the spicy, salty type, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of this fascinating ingredient.

For an awfully long time Liquorice has been made with love. In the beginning…

700BC; You are in royal company. The roots were found in Egyptian tombs, and as early as 700 BC, Mesopotamian (try saying that at the end of an evening) stone tablets show liquorice plants were cultivated to treat the Royal masters. Most ancient cultures used it. LEARN MORE

Where do you find the liquorice plant?

The Isle of Wight is a great haven for Liquorice Lovers. Queen Victoria had a large bundle delivered once a month to Osborne House. Now it’s H.Q. for Saint Valentine’s Liquorice Company. Calabria is the heart of traditional Italian production, where the liquorice plant is cultivated extensively. Growing like weeds, it’s particularly abundant in the compounds that give it its unique flavour. However, we have made it easy for you to get some; just take a look at our shop for some tasty deals. SHOP NOW

Liquorice: A Flavor That Divides and Conquers

Few flavours are as polarizing as liquorice. Some people can’t get enough of its distinctive taste, while others find it utterly repulsive. But love it or hate it, there’s no denying that liquorice has left its mark on the world of food and drink. From the salty-sweet Dutch treat called “drop” to the anise-flavoured Italian liqueur known as “sambuca,” liquorice has inspired a wide range of culinary creations. So whether you’re a die-hard fan or a skeptical newcomer, why not take a chance on this bold and unique flavor? Who knows – you might just find yourself converted to the liquorice lovers’ club.