How they make licorice

I've always wondered how licorice is made. It turns out that candy manufacturers use two methods to create licorice. Smaller companies cook the ingredients together (such as sugar and licorice extract) and pour it into molds that are filled with corn starch. The corn starch makes it easy to remove the finished candy. Larger companies use the licorice rope extrusion process, in which a mixture of licorice root extract is boiled to an exact temperature, at which time colors and flavors are added and the mixture is cooked slowly until it has the consistency of dough. The mixture is then passed through an extruder, where the dough is forced out of tiny holes and forms long ropes. These ropes are then cut into pieces.

In both cases, special care is taken to cook the licorice mixture at just the right temperature and for a specific amount of time to ensure the desired consistency and taste. And remember, real licorice contains licorice root as one of the ingredients. You can choose from lots of different kinds of licorice at www.licoriceinternational.com