Licorice, as candy, seems to be either loved or hated. Rarely have I met someone who says, "Meh. I can take it or leave it." Usually, people say, "Ugh, I can't even stand the smell!" or "Bring it on!"
I'm not so much a connoisseur as a glutton. I love licorice in all its forms. Especially Dutch licorice, which is salty. Even those who like Twizzlers™ frequently dislike Dutch licorice. English licorice is excellent. American, not so much.
And then, there's Zambuka! WooHoo! Licorice liqueur, served flaming, with a coffee bean floating on top.
Here's an article that will tell you all you ever wanted to know about the stuff, and then some!
http://pubs.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff/8032licorice.html
I'm not even going to discuss the red stuff, which isn't licorice. Even the black stuff, in this country, is artificially flavoured and much more bland than it needs to be.
You like anise? That is the herb used(allegedly) to flavor licorice. Often you'll find a bowl of it at Indian restaurants, to fresh the breath after eating.
ReplyDeleteAh, licorice gums! Something to be savoured.
ReplyDeleteAfter curry, my whole system needs all the help it can get! I do like Anise, but prefer the real licorice.
ReplyDeleteTo be savoured, indeed!
Not a fan of licorice here, and just thinking about the taste made me cringe. You're right that it's either a take it or leave it and no in between. You got me to wondering if the kids have ever even tasted it. I'm sure their Dad has introduced them at some point. heh!
ReplyDeleteI was searching for a source of Dutch licorice, which I coudn't get, here. I asked my stepmom, in Canada, but she can't stand the smell, so that was out.
ReplyDeleteI got lucky--World Market carries it, and we now have a World Market right here in Round Rock!
I buy licorice tea at Randall's, and it's absolutely wonderful for a scratchy or tired throat. I drink it a lot while teaching, unsurprisingly. Tastes fabulous, too!
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