| Origin and wholesomeness | |
| The history of licorice | |
| Licorice is very old, it goes back to the days of the old Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. In the beginning it was used in cough mixtures and as a medicine for pain in the throat, because of its slime dissolving and soothing effect. Later on it was also used as a medicine for ulcurs. Licorice lovers throughout history have included Pharaohs and Prophets. Generous supplies were discovered in Emperor King Tut's tomb, while Egyptian hieroglyphics record the use of Licorice in a popular beverage by men in the days when the Bible was still being written! Alexander the Great, the Scythian armies, Roman Emperor Caesar, and even India's | great prophet, Brahma, are on record endorsing the beneficial properties contained in Licorice. Warriors used it for its ability to quench thirst while on the march, while others (including Brahma and venerable Chinese Buddhist sages), recognized Licorice's valuable healing properties. In the course of centuries the character of licorice changed because one started to mix salts, menthol, honey, salmiac and other natural flavours with it. Nowadays it is a typical wholesome Dutch goodie, nearly as much a symbol of Holland as tulips, windmills and wooden shoes. |
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What exactly is licorice ? |
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 It is a luxury and in a way also a medicine. Obtained from rootsap of the licoriceplant Glycyrrhiza glabra (papilion flower family). The roots are cleaned, grinded and then boiled. The curdled very strong tasting extract is dried again. This is again dissolved in water and founded in moulds. The taste is obtained by adding natural flavours. |
The licorice was thickened with the scarce arabic gum, nowadays one works with starch. The plant where licorice is obtained from is mainly found in the countries surrounding the mediterranean see. Robust plants with feathered leaves, which can grow to one and a half meters. Well known in Holland and Belgium is the cultivated violet papilion flower, of which the dried roots are known as a goodie. It is also used as an element in the preparation of medicines against pain in the throat and as an ingredient for cough mixtures. licorice is a benefit for your throat! |
The root of the licoriceplant is the basic ingredient of licorice.
Information for lectures
| Dutch emigrants, expats and licorice | |||
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The
Dutch are well-known for making their homes in the farthest reaches of
the earth. They do so either as emigrants or as expats. In conversations
they mostly say they feel quite at home in their chosen countries.
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"It's really fantastic here!" is a phrase often heard. They adapt themselves very well, but they all miss the same.... licorice! | ||
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