Licorice- The Perfect Food Sweeteners
What is Licorice?
Licorice, also known as Liquorice, is scientifically referred to as Glycyrrhiza glabra. It is a flowering plant that belongs to the bean family, Fabaceae. The roots contain a sweet compound known as glycyrrhizin.
This herbaceous perennial legume plant was native to Southern Europe and Western Asia residents until it got to other countries due to trade. Its root is sweet with an aromatic flavor.
How is Licorice grown and produced organically?
Liquorice seeds are first soaked for two hours then stratified for approximately four weeks before plantation. The seeds start to germinate during the stratification and should be sown immediately at the planting section.
The stratifying process involves placing the seeds in a moist paper towel, folding it, and storing it in a refrigerator for four weeks. However, it would be best if you kept checking periodically to ensure that the towel remains moist.
Licorice seedlings prefer well-drained soil as well as full sun to part shade. The plants grow taller and taller each year if taken care of. On maturity, they produce pale white flowers.
How do you consume Licorice?
Black liquorice roots can be eaten raw. This is for people with heart diseases and blood pressure. However, too much consumption leads to serious health issues such as irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) and increased blood pressure. On a day, one should take less than 50g of the product.
The roots are also used as sweeteners in food like candy and tea. One should be cautious because the product interacts with other medications if taken in high doses and can cause serious health problems. Meals containing licorice roots ease digestive discomfort, reduce cold symptoms, and boost our energy.
Various liquorice root supplements are taken habitually. The best supplements should have less than 2% glycyrrhizin to avoid health complications.
Anyone who experiences varying heart pulses or muscle weaknesses should avoid eating the roots altogether. Also, pregnant women should not eat the product.
In conclusion, to be completely safe, you should make sure you consult your doctor whether it is okay for you to take licorice root or its products.