Copius
Liquorice, drawn for Copius

Liquorice

Réglisse

Latin nameGlycyrrhiza glabra
FamilySpices
OriginMiddle East & southern Europe
Season (France)All year
FlavourSweet · Anise-like · Earthy · Bitter
Typical price (France)20–40 €/kg

What it is

Its sweetness comes from glycyrrhizin, which is around fifty times sweeter than sugar and works on a completely different receptor — which is why the sweetness arrives late and lingers. Roots were found in Tutankhamun's tomb alongside the coriander.

In the kitchen

A small piece of root in a braise with lamb or beef adds depth nobody can identify. Powdered it takes over instantly.

Goes with

Lamb Dark chocolate Fennel Beef Orange Star anise Cream Raspberry

Also used with

Huamei

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