Liquorice Timeline: A Sweet Journey Through History

The history of Liquorice is rich and storied, with countless twists and turns over the centuries. That’s why we’ve created this detailed Liquorice timeline. Explore the timeline above, or read on for more in-depth insights into this sweet story.

Roots in Nature

Our hunter-gatherer ancestors, deeply connected with nature, were well aware of Liquorice and its many uses. This knowledge dates back to prehistory, but for now, let’s delve into more documented periods of Liquorice’s fascinating journey through time.

Ancient Love for Liquorice

Egyptian Pharaohs

If you love Liquorice, you’re in royal company. Archaeologists have discovered Liquorice roots in the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs, dating back to the fourteenth century BCE. In 1922, the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb revealed a significant hoard of Liquorice root among the many artifacts, food, and spices, highlighting its importance in ancient Egyptian culture.

Greek Beginnings

In the fourth to third century BCE, Theophrastus, the renowned Greek botanist and pharmacologist, documented the use of Liquorice as a medicinal drug in Europe. He noted that the Ancient Greeks likely learned about its medicinal properties from the Scythians, an ethnic group living between the Black and Caspian seas. Theophrastus, among the first to study medicinal herbs with scientific accuracy, originally named the plant ‘Scythian’ root due to its association with the Scythians.

Chinese Medicine

Around 200-250 CE, Liquorice was recorded as a noble or ‘upper herb’ in the ancient Chinese text Shennong Ben Cao Jing (The Classic of Herbal Medicine). This text, attributed to Shennong, the Yan Emperor, highlights the ancient and auspicious roots of Liquorice. Shennong, often called the Divine Farmer, was a mythological Chinese ruler who became a deity and a cultural hero in folk religion. Liquorice remains a crucial ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine today, demonstrating its enduring value.

If you love Liquorice, you are in royal company; archaeologists have found the roots in the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs dating back to the fourteenth century BCE. In 1922, the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb revealed a significant hoard of liquorice root among the many artefacts, food, and spices.

Where to Find Liquorice

Have you heard of the “Fertile Crescent”? This term refers to the early civilizations around the Mediterranean, including the region of Italy. Calabria, in particular, is the heart of traditional Italian Liquorice production. This area is known for its Liquorice plants, which grow abundantly and are particularly rich in the compounds that give Liquorice its unique flavour. We’ve made it easy for you to find this high-quality Liquorice. Check out our shop where you can get Calabrian Liquorice powder, perfect for making delicious ice cream, cakes, and innumerable other delights.

Liquorice Through the Ages

Romans

Roman soldiers chewed Liquorice root as a medicinal stick during their long marches. Its thirst-quenching qualities and benefits for sore throats made it an essential part of their rations. Liquorice also helped alleviate a variety of other symptoms, showcasing its versatility as a medicinal herb.

The Middle Ages

The Middle Ages were a time of great upheaval, but the Crusaders and monks were wise enough to bring Liquorice back to England. This marked the beginning of Liquorice’s history in the UK, where it would eventually become a beloved treat.

16th Century England

In the 16th century, monks in Pontefract, a town in West Yorkshire, began cultivating Liquorice. This town later became famous for its Liquorice delights, and the name Pontefract became synonymous with high-quality Liquorice products.

1720 Pontefract: The Birthplace of Liquorice Confectionery

Around 1720, demand for Liquorice root grew significantly due to its medicinal properties. The former dungeons of Pontefract Castle provided ideal storage conditions for this precious root. By 1750, there were 47 Liquorice growers in Pontefract, meeting the increasing demand. An apothecary named George Dunhill created the first Liquorice confectionery by adding sugar to the Liquorice root, a groundbreaking innovation that people loved. This led to a booming industry, producing 25,000 cakes a day by the nineteenth century, each stamped with the Pontefract Castle symbol.

The 1920s

By 1920, Pontefract had 10 factories employing many women to hand-roll Liquorice pipes and cakes. Demand soon outstripped supply, leading to the import of Liquorice extract from Calabria, Italy, recognized as the best. Other Calabrian exports include the family of Steve Tyler of Aerosmith, showcasing the region’s diverse contributions.

World War II and Beyond

World War II

The onset of World War II brought significant challenges to the Liquorice industry. Sugar rationing, which lasted until 1954, and the growing popularity of the snack and chocolate industry in the 1970s, led to a decline in Liquorice’s popularity. The UK Liquorice industry nearly vanished during this period.

A Sweet Revival

In 1994, a revival began with the founding of Saint Valentine’s Liquorice Company. This company started to supply quality gourmet Liquorice from individual producers, ensuring that this sweet treat remained a beloved part of our history. Today, Saint Valentine’s Liquorice Company continues to play a small but significant role in the ongoing story of Liquorice, bringing the finest Liquorice to enthusiasts around the world.

Explore more about the fascinating history of Liquorice and discover our selection of premium Liquorice products in our shop. Enjoy the sweet legacy of Liquorice today!