Licorice comes from a plant called licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and belongs to the pea family. The plant is a shrub-like plant that can grow up to 1-2 meters high and grows in eastern and southern Europe, Asia, France and Germany. Licorice root has been cultivated in Europe since the 1200th century and must be at least three years old before it can be harvested.

The extract from the licorice root is used as a base for licorice candies, drinks, medicines and tobacco. Licorice has a unique flavor that can be both sweet and salty. Licorice consumption is high in Sweden and we consume around 1 kilo of licorice per person per year, which is more than in the rest of Europe. Why licorice has such an effect on us northerners is still unclear, but it is known that licorice is one of our oldest and most common tastes.