Black Licorice Caramels: the best anise caramel recipe - Kitchen Cents (2024)

FAQs

What is black licorice made of anise? ›

When people taste OREAD™, they often describe a flavor of “black licorice.” This comes from the star anise. But actual licorice is the root of yet another species of plant called Glycyrrhiza Glabra, which basically translates to “sweet root.” We're back to herbaceous, this time as a perennial.

The funny thing is, they're very different. Licorice and anise have a similar taste and fragrance, but they have their own identities beyond that. Licorice is a root (from the licorice plant), and anise is a fruit (from the anise herb plant). Anise is not related to licorice at all.

Though not actually relating, and looking nothing like aniseed, star anise will bring a very, very strong licorice flavor to your dish. The reason for the similar flavor is anethole — an essential oil contained in both anise and star anise. The star-shaped pods contain seeds, and are most often used whole.

Chop half of the Red Vines Black Licorice (about 10 pieces) into 1-inch chunks and put them in a saucepan with ½ cup of water. Turn heat to low. As the candy melts, stir frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

It has been demonstrated that regularly consuming foods high in potassium, such anise seeds, can lower blood pressure and fend off numerous diseases like hypertension.

Yes, particularly if you're over 40 and have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure, or both. Eating more than 57g (2 ounces) of black liquorice a day for at least 2 weeks could lead to potentially serious health problems, such as an increase in blood pressure and an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).

The sense of taste is genetic, so when someone complains that black licorice is too bitter, they're tasting the glycyrrhizin, the compound in licorice root that's chemically similar to saccharin. This may be why they taste the bitterness.

Eaten in large amounts, black licorice can lower the body's potassium levels – significantly. Potassium is important for heart health, and if levels plummet, it can lead to problems such as abnormal heart rhythms and congestive heart failure. Or worse.

The most commonly known licorice-tasting drinks are Ouzo, Sambuca, Pastis, Pernod and Absinthe. Others include Arak, Anisette/Anis, Raki, Aguardiente and Xtabentun.

For centuries, people have sipped licorice root tea to help soothe a sore throat. A licorice compound called licoricidin has been shown to have antibacterial properties that may help. It could help your teeth. Antibacterial properties in licorice root extract might have potential to help prevent cavities.

What is another name for black licorice candy? ›

Liquorice (British English) or licorice (American English; IPA: /ˈlɪkərɪʃ, -ɪs/ LIK-ər-ish, -⁠iss) is a confection usually flavoured and coloured black with the extract of the roots of the liquorice plant Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Why is star anise so expensive? Like many spices that are considered to be high-end or "pricy", the price tag on star anise is owed to the production and harvesting processes. Star anise is hand-harvested and is limited as to where it can be grown. It is also a beloved spice around the globe and is in demand.

It contains glycyrrhizic acid, which can cause swelling and high blood pressure and deplete potassium and other electrolytes that may cause a cardiac arrhythmia or arrest. Glycyrrhizic acid can be found in other foods, such as jelly beans and beverages for flavor.

In large amounts, this acid inhibits an enzyme that allows more active cortisol to bind to its receptor. So, eating too much licorice — or too frequently — can result in high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and other signs of pseudohyperaldosteronism.

Supplement potassium, as indicated. Consider potassium-sparing diuretics, as needed. Treat rhabdomyolysis, if present, with hydration. Monitor for and treat electrolyte-induced dysrhythmias.

Traditional licorice candy — called “black licorice” in the U.S. and “liquorice” in many other parts of the world — contains licorice extract, sugar, and a binder. Candymakers often use starch, gelatin, or flour as binders, and recipes for salty licorice in Nordic countries typically include ammonium chloride salts.

Anise and Star Anise

In the United States, most of the licorice made domestically is flavored with anise rather than licorice extract. A note for the non-botanists, anise and star anise are two different plants, and while their licorice flavor is similar, anise is much stronger than its eastern counterpart.

The essential ingredients of black liquorice confectionery are liquorice extract, sugar, and a binder. The base is typically starch/flour, gum arabic, gelatin or a combination thereof. Additional ingredients are extra flavouring, beeswax for a shiny surface, ammonium chloride and molasses.

Although fennel has somewhat licorice taste, it is not an ingredient in actual black licorice. Black licorice candy is actually made from the licorice root, from the plant with the scientific name of Glycyrrhiza glabra. Sugars are added, but no fennel.