LICORICE
LICORICE USES
Comprehensive Guide to Using Pure Licorice Extract Bits
Licorice extract bits are a versatile and concentrated form of licorice, perfect for adding a rich, robust flavor to a variety of applications. These bits are the favorite treats for real licorice lovers who enjoy the pure and bold taste of licorice. They are also ideal for people seeking sugar-free treats, those who cannot consume sugar, such as diabetics, individuals with gluten allergies, and anyone looking for a satisfying and flavorful snack.
Whether you’re enhancing your culinary creations, brewing a soothing tea, or exploring their potential health benefits, this guide will show you how to make the most of these small, easy-to-use licorice extract bits.
1. Using Licorice Extract Bits as a Spice in the Kitchen
Licorice extract bits can be used as a spice to enhance both sweet and savory dishes. Here’s how you can incorporate them into your cooking:
- In Baked Goods: Licorice extract bits can be finely crushed or melted and added to cookie, cake, or pastry batters. Use about 1-2 bits (0.3g-0.8g) per recipe for a subtle licorice flavor. Pair with spices like anise, cinnamon, or ginger for a complementary taste.
- In Sauces and Marinades: Melt the licorice bits in a small amount of hot liquid (like broth or water) before adding them to sauces or marinades. This works particularly well in soy-based marinades for meats or tofu, or in a balsamic reduction for a deeper flavor.
- In Spice Blends: Crush the bits and mix them with other spices like fennel, star anise, and cinnamon. Use this blend to season roasted vegetables, meats, or sprinkle over popcorn for a savory snack.
- In Desserts: Add 1-2 licorice bits to custards, creams, or caramels. They can be melted into syrups or dissolved in hot cream to flavor ice creams or puddings with a unique licorice taste.
2. Using Licorice Extract Bits to Make Tea
Licorice tea is a soothing and flavorful beverage that benefits from the natural sweetness of licorice extract bits. Here’s how to brew it:
Simple Licorice Tea:
- Drop 2-3 licorice extract bits into a cup of hot water.
- Stir until the bits dissolve completely, which may take a few minutes.
- Let the tea steep for an additional 5-10 minutes before drinking.
- Adjust the strength by adding more or fewer bits to suit your taste.
Blended Herbal Teas: Combine the bits with other herbs like peppermint, chamomile, or ginger. The licorice will add a sweet, earthy note to your custom herbal blend.
Cold Brew Licorice Tea: Dissolve the bits in a small amount of hot water, then dilute with cold water and refrigerate for several hours. Serve over ice for a refreshing iced tea with a hint of licorice.
3. Using Licorice Extract Bits to Make Ice Cream
Licorice ice cream made with extract bits offers a rich and distinctive flavor. Here’s how to incorporate them into your ice cream:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4-5 licorice extract bits (approximately 1.5g-2g)
- • 4 large egg yolks
Instructions:
- Heat the cream, milk, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the licorice extract bits and stir until they melt completely.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly.
- Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Freeze until firm and enjoy the rich, licorice-flavored treat!
4. Using Licorice Extract Bits as a Supplement
Licorice extract bits have been labeled as a food product due to their broad uses and versatility. While not limited to food uses, they can be wisely used in situations where licorice is traditionally employed, including as a supplement for potential health benefits. Here’s how:
- Digestive Aid: Licorice bits may help soothe digestive issues. Dissolve 2-3 bits in a cup of warm water and drink after meals to aid digestion.
- Respiratory Support: Licorice is known for its expectorant properties. Dissolve 2-3 bits in warm water or herbal tea and sip slowly to help relieve coughs and soothe sore throats.
- Stress Relief: Licorice bits may be used for their adaptogenic properties. Dissolve 2 bits in tea or water and consume daily, but consult a healthcare provider beforehand.
- Antiviral and Antifungal Support: Licorice has been traditionally used for its potential antiviral and antifungal properties. Dissolve a few bits in warm water and consume regularly to support your body’s natural defenses against infections.
DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Note: Always consult with a healthcare provider before using licorice extract bits as a supplement, especially if you have high blood pressure or are taking other medications.
5. Other Creative Uses for Licorice Extract Bits
- Flavoring Alcoholic Beverages: Dissolve 2-3 or more licorice bits in a small amount of hot water, then add to cocktails, liqueurs, or homemade bitters for a unique flavor profile.
- Making Homemade Candy: Use melted licorice bits to flavor homemade hard candies, gummies, or pastilles.
- DIY Beauty Products: Licorice extract bits can be melted and added to homemade skincare products, such as lip balms or lotions, for their soothing properties.
- Aromatherapy: Dissolve the bits in a carrier oil and use in aromatherapy blends to enjoy the sweet, earthy scent of licorice.
Storage and Handling Tips
- Storage: Store licorice extract bits in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Handling: These bits are potent, so use them sparingly. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preferences. They melt easily, so be cautious when using them in recipes that require heat.
Conclusion
Licorice extract bits are a powerful and versatile ingredient, perfect for enhancing your culinary creations, brewing soothing teas, or exploring their health benefits. With their concentrated flavor, a little goes a long way, making them an excellent addition to your kitchen or wellness routine. Enjoy experimenting with these small but mighty bits and discover all the ways you can use them!
Our Testimonials
“I picked up your licorice because 1) it was licorice 2) it was organic and 3) it was sugar-free. I brought it home and went to your website and found out that it is naturally sweet and would help coughs.
“It was really the turning point for us getting well. So thank you for such an excellent product! Not only as a taste treat, but as a healing remedy as well.”
“I picked up your licorice because 1) it was licorice 2) it was organic and 3) it was sugar-free. I brought it home and went to your website and found out that it is naturally sweet and would help coughs.
“It was really the turning point for us getting well. So thank you for such an excellent product! Not only as a taste treat, but as a healing remedy as well.”
“I picked up your licorice because 1) it was licorice 2) it was organic and 3) it was sugar-free. I brought it home and went to your website and found out that it is naturally sweet and would help coughs.
“It was really the turning point for us getting well. So thank you for such an excellent product! Not only as a taste treat, but as a healing remedy as well.”
Licorice extract, Anise flavor – Verified Purchase
Tasty, but not for sugar addicts.
If you want a sweet, soft candy, this is not for you. I had to eliminate sugar from my diet and am used to limited sweetness. For those who are on a similar diet, these might be all the sweetness you need. The licorice flavor is very strong, but I’m so happy to enjoy licorice again without raising my blood sugar!
Perfect for those on a keto diet or similar plan.
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2024
Licorice extract, Anise flavor – Verified Purchase
I love those little licorice bits. They taste like the real thing, something I am used to from Germany. All other licorice products have all kinds of stuff added. These are pure and very medicinal for any stomach problems.
If you don’t want to swallow capsules, these are a great alternative. I am happy to have found them. – K.
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
Licorice extract, Original flavor – Verified Purchase
A good alternative to licorice chewy candy.
I am a licorice fan, and ordered this as an alternative to the chewy licorice that has a lot of sugar. They are little niblets of hard licorice and are quite tasty. No sugar so a good to chew after a meal. – J.M.
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2024
Licorice extract, Original flavor – Verified Purchase
INCREDIBLE HEALTH BENEFITS REALLY DO EXIST
This is The BEST PLACE to go for pure organic licorice which, offers many health benefits. This company is right here in the USA doing an incredible job of providing a product that ironically, famous author “Anthony William” of “Life Changing Foods”pages 206 &207 (Available here on AMAZON) describes as: Quote: “Licorice root is a savior. It is the most important herb of today’s world, the camel to carry you through the desert of chronic illness…….the ultimate weapon against the viral explosion.” This Zot Licorice comes in a very small box; one tiny pellet is a pleasant, powerful, and just enough for “what to start with” amount. When I read how valuable Organic Licorice is for experiencing positive results for a multitude of areas in the body, I thought “it’s worth a try”. I didn’t expect to have such a profound and immediate response.
I am disabled and have a wide variety of health challenges.
As one who would much rather have fast miraculous results from anything, I decided to really pay attention to the caution of
“start slow with only one pellet”. I was glad I did because the result was a very pleasant, yet powerful one. My digestion improvement was shocking and I am monitoring my progress for a large amount of other health related areas. I can honestly say, “read the book” and slowly absorb all the
benefits this product provides. This ZOT Licorice also has a “sister” Zot Licorice that contains an added ingredient called “Anise” which offers
an added flavor without any of the other not- so healthful- ingredients that you find in non-organic licorice products. Stick with ZOT Brand from Phyto-Plus, their phone number is on the back of the box……..wonderful, people work there and Amazon is making it possible for us to have the product delivered quickly. – TC
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2017
Licorice extract, Original flavor – Verified Purchase
People who rate this less than 5 stars are people who like burning holes in there teeth
People who rate this less than 5 stars are people who like burning holes in there teeth with sugary junk.
To be clear this is an acquired taste. I started off eating it for health reasons as a way of protecting my liver to a small degree from alcohol consumption. (best if paired with potassium based food)
But the bitter taste gets better and better each time. This is what real licorice is supposed to taste like. Not that sugary junk that will give you diabetes someday.
If you can’t handle it you, I encourage starting trying many times. It’s not meant to be candy it’s meant to be licorice in an extracted form.
I imagine some weak people that have issues finishing vegetables could never eat this. If you can eat raw broccoli (as you should be able to do) then you can handle this.
I love the taste. Tech guy
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2024
Licorice extract, Original flavor – Verified Purchase
This is exactly what it says it is: 100% licorice (root extract)
The people leaving bad reviews apparently don’t know what ‘100% Organic Licorice’ means. Almost all the licorice *candy* you buy has wheat added, sugar added, salt added, ammonium chloride (salmiak salt) added, etc. etc. But *this* is what pure licorice – or rather the dried extract of the root – actually tastes like. It’s obviously not to everyone’s taste, but I use it for brewing beer, which it’s perfect for – and I can actually suck on one of these. It lingers for a looong time!
And yes, it’s expensive, because it takes a ton of licorice root to make this much concentrated extract. And it’s not 95% cut with wheat, salt, sugar, etc. etc. like all the licorice candies you buy are.
You just have to understand what you’re buying. If you can’t handle 100% pure concentrated licorice, buy some licorice candies! – sarusa
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2023
Licorice extract, Original flavor – Verified Purchase
I follow a special diet-no grains, no sugar, no food colorings or artificial coloring and 98 percent organic. I can tell you it is such a challenge to find a pure anything. I love these to add to hot water for tea and they travel well. Also, just use them as a lozenge and so nice to know I’m getting so many health benefits from the whole, pure licorice. A real gem and so thankful for them being on Amazon. – L.E.
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2024