Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice or licorice, is a perennial plant from the legume family with a distinctively sweet root thanks to glycyrrhizin (30–50 times sweeter than sugar).

Origin

• Native to Eurasia, Western and Central Asia, Southern Europe, North Africa , and the Middle East.
• Ancient origins in regions such as Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, Greece), Turkey, and Southwest Asia; known since Antiquity.
• Grows naturally in dry, sunny valleys, steppes and grasslands with well-drained soils; adapted to warm, dry summers and mild winters.

Care

• Grows as a herbaceous perennial up to 1–1.5 (sometimes 2) metres high with long, deep roots (up to 2–3 metres deep) and runners.
• Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light) and a sheltered, warm location; tolerates drought well if established.
• Plant in deep, well-drained, loose soil (sandy-loamy, calcareous, pH 6.5–8.0); Add compost for nutrients, but avoid heavy clay or wet feet (root rot risk).
• Watering: moderate during establishment, then sparingly (drought tolerant); let the soil dry out between waterings; Avoid overwatering.
• Winter hardiness: fairly frost-resistant (down to about -8 to -10 °C in established plants); In colder climates, apply mulch or grow in tubs (frost-free wintering indoors).
• Fertilization: little needed; in spring, light organic manure or compost; do not over-fertilize (plant likes poor soils).

Usage

• Culinary applications: carrot as a natural sweetener in sweets (liquorice), tea, liqueurs, tobacco, soft drinks and foods.