Licorice: The Sweet and Medicinal Plant
What is Licorice?
Licorice is a flowering plant that is related to peas and beans. It is native to Eurasia and has a long history of use as both a sweetener and a medicine. The part of the licorice plant that contains its distinctive flavor is its extensive root system. Licorice root is 50 times sweeter than sugar and has been used for centuries to sweeten foods and drinks. It is also a common ingredient in throat lozenges and other cough syrups.
Growing Licorice
Licorice is a relatively easy plant to grow. It can be grown from seed or by dividing the rhizome of an older plant. Licorice plants prefer alkaline, sandy, moist soil and full sun to partial shade. They are slow to get established, but once they do, they can become aggressive. It is important to keep your licorice plant in check by harvesting its rhizomes regularly.
Harvesting Licorice
Licorice root is harvested in the fall. The roots are dug up and squeezed of their juice, which is then boiled down to an extract. Licorice extract can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Sweetening foods and drinks
- Flavoring candy and desserts
- Making throat lozenges and cough syrups
- Adding to herbal teas
Medicinal Uses of Licorice
Licorice has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is believed to have a variety of health benefits, including:
- Soothing sore throats
- Reducing inflammation
- Boosting the immune system
- Protecting the liver
- Lowering cholesterol
Different Types of Licorice Plants
There are several different species of licorice plants, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most common species include:
- Glycyrrhiza glabra: This is the most common type of licorice plant. It is native to Eurasia and is the source of most of the licorice root that is used commercially.
- Glycyrrhiza uralensis: This type of licorice plant is native to China and is known for its high glycyrrhizin content. Glycyrrhizin is the compound that gives licorice its sweet flavor.
- Glycyrrhiza inflata: This type of licorice plant is native to North America. It is known for its hardiness and is often used in herbal teas.
Conclusion
Licorice is a versatile plant with a long history of use. It can be grown in your own garden and used to sweeten foods and drinks, flavor candy and desserts, and make throat lozenges and cough syrups. Licorice also has a variety of medicinal uses, including soothing sore throats, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system.