Chew on This: Free Licorice XyliChew Gum All This Month!

Here's a tasty way to cleaner teeth: Chew XyliChew Chewing Gum! A dentist quoted in this month's issue of Readers Digest suggests that people chew six or seven pieces of xylitol gum every day to keep cavities away.

Xylitol, a natural sweetener found in licorice, has been proven to help fight cavities and is endorsed by six national dentist organizations. Click here to read more about the benefits of this amazing substance.

Now you can try a free pack of XyliChew Chewing Gum made with xylitol. Place any on-line order with Licorice International, and you will receive a free full-size package of XyliChew Chewing Gum (value $1.75). The gum will automatically be included with your order. This offer is good through the end of July 2009.

Click here for more info on this offer.

Flag Cake Made from Licorice Candy Twists

Here's a great way to decorate a cake for the Fourth of July: Make a flag out of Kenny's Licorice Candy Twists.

To make the flag I simply used Red Raspberry and Pina Colada for the stripes and Blue Raspberry for the star field.

Fourteen flavors of Licorice Candy Twists are available from Licorice International.

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Free Shipping on Licorice Orders

Cool!

Now you can get free shipping on orders of $35 or more at Licorice International. Click here for details.

If you're like me, you always need to have several kinds of licorice on hand, for some low-fat healthy snacking. It's a good time to stock up on licorice for the rest of the summer.

Too cute! Hello Kitty cake made from licorice

Licorice lover Stacey Walsh visited the Licorice International retail store in Lincoln, Nebraska, recently, and found just what she needed to maker her daughter's birthday special. Here's what she has to say:

"I was in the Lincoln store a few weeks ago to pick up some black licorice jelly beans and some black licorice laces to decorate my daughter's 2nd birthday cake. I'm so happy I found what I needed. I made a Hello Kitty cake for her. My daughter Johanna went straight for the jelly bean eyes. I'm still enjoying the black licorice jelly beans. Thanks."

If you don't live in Lincoln, visit the Licorice International website for all your licorice supplies. You can find black licorice jelly beans here and black licorice laces here.

If you make a special cake using licorice, send your photo and story to us at licorice@oakviewresources.com and we might just add it to our blog.
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Licorice gargle helps post-op sore throat

Here's something interesting: A new study in the Journal Anesthesia & Analgesia reports that patients who gargle with a licorice solution before surgery have less incidents of post-operative sore throat or cough.

Here's a bit more about the study: http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/health-and-fitness/2009/06/post-op-sore-throat-try-a-lico.html

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Take Licorice on Vacation

Getting ready for a road trip? Licorice makes the perfect snack. It doesn't melt like chocolate. And it even helps settle your stomach on those long car rides. Not sure which licorice to pack? The bright colors of Licorice Allsorts will perk up those weary travelers. You can also pack a licorice sampler, or choose from one of Licorice International's best sellers, shown here.

Going on a hike? Make your own trail mix, using nuts, dried fruit and licorice. Cut up your favorite licorice or use a small licorice such as honey drops.

And, if you're like me, even what's supposed to be a relaxing vacation can often become stressful. I find a nice cup of Licorice Spice Tea to be a soothing way to relax and de-stress.

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Father's Day Idea

Your dad doesn't need another tie for Father's Day. And don't even think about socks.

Instead, why not get him something he'll enjoy all year: a membership in the licorice-of-the-month club! Each month he'll receive two regular size packages of licorice plus a sample product. He'll look forward to the surprise in his mailbox.

If you order now, a tin of black and red piglets will be included in your first order. Dad will love these fun little candies with the traditional taste, and he can reuse the tin to hold his treasures.

Click here for more information on the offer.

Licorice International on Wikipedia

Licorice International is now has an entry on Wikipedia. Check it out here.

And don't forget to click on the links to the right to find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Free Licorice: Triple Treats from Holland

I love the giveaway this month at Licorice International: Three of my favorite kinds of licorice, all from Holland. Sweet little Kokindjes buttons are just the right size for a tasty treat. Beehive Honey licorice is made with 8 percent real honey. I love the the taste of these cute little candies. And the unique combination of black licorice and strawberries in the Black Strawberry licorice makes a tasty treat.

During the month of June you can get a free sampling of these three great Dutch licorice treats when you place an order with Licorice International.

Click here for complete info.

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Licorice Treats for Troops

Here's a way you can support our troops and let them know you care.

You can purchase either a 12-pound box of Licorice Candy Twists (approximately 500 twists) or an 8-pound box of Licorice Candy Twists (approximately 350 twists).

Licorice International will ship the box to a chaplain who will distribute the candy to men and women serving our country.

Click here for complete info.

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Licorice Candy Twists - Not just for licorice lovers!

A visit from our friend Aaron gave us the ideal opportunity to test out Kenny's Licorice Candy Twists. Everyone says these treats appeal to anyone, not just licorice lovers. Since Aaron is still not convinced about black licorice, we thought we'd see what he thought of these delectible candies.

Result? He loved them. His favorite was Pina Colada, although he liked the cinnamon too.

Pina Colada was my daughter Carmen's favorite (She's the one in the middle), while Monica and I liked the root beer the best.

With 14 flavors in all, you'll be sure to find a favorite too. Many of these reminded us of other favorite treats. Grape tastes like grape soda or jolly ranchers; chocolate is a bit like a Tootsie Roll; peach tastes like those yummy gummy peach rings; and orange reminds us of old-fashioned orange slice gumdrops. Cinnamon has a pleasant, not-too-hot taste.

A friend of mine gives Kenny's Candy Licorice Twists as high school graduation gifts. The package is a perfect size to go with a graduation card, and they're perfect for those late-night study sessions in college.

Click here to order these treats.

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Licorice Spice Tea

Licorice Spice Tea is one of my favorites. But of course, I'm a die-hard licorice lover. That's why I was interested to read this review from someone who is "just getting used to the taste of licorice" and who admits that licorice is not one of her "favourite things in the world." (Can you imagine?)

In spite of her initial skepticism, the reviewer was pleasantly-surprised at the root-beer-like taste and the lingering sweetness.

You can read the review here.

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Licorice Treats Bring Joy to Orphans in Haiti

What a difference a sweet treat can make in a child's life. These pictures were sent to us from an orphanage in Haiti.

Mmm . . . Kenny's Peach Licorice Candy Twists!

Yummy Kenny's Blue Raspberry Licorice Candy Twist.

For more heartwarming photos and information how you can help, visit

http://haitichurchofchrist.org/

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Find Licorice International on Facebook

Now you can become a fan of Licorice International on Facebook!

Click here to become a fan, or search for "Licorice International" on Facebook.

Eat Licorice. Visit Ten Thousand Villages.

Bright colors greet you when you step into Ten Thousand Villages in Lincoln’s Haymarket. It a great place to browse—full of one-of-a-kind home décor, toys, clothes, jewelry, handbags, Christmas decorations and even fun chess sets.

But more importantly—every item you buy at Ten Thousand Villages directly benefits an artisan in one of 38 underdeveloped countries. Through this unique program, artisans are paid a fair price for handmade items created using environmentally friendly materials. Artisans express their personality and culture in the hand-made products you would never be able to find in a typical retail store.

Each item has an interesting story to tell. For instance, you can buy bracelets recycled from discarded plastic bags in Burkina Faso. Lacquer paper weights from Vietnam are fashioned from river rocks through a special process that takes 45 days and incorporates the thumbprint of the artist. At just $7.00, they’re a popular gift item.

Ten Thousand Villages is one of nearly 200 affiliated North American stores and has been serving Lincoln for 25 years, said manager Gabby Ayala. Since moving to the Haymarket area five years ago, business has skyrocketed. The Haymarket is a favorite area for tourists and a destination spot for locals, and the Saturday morning farmers market brings like-minded people to the neighborhood.

Gabby loves to visit Licorice International, located just down the street from Ten Thousand Villages. Her favorite kind of licorice? Australian Kookaburra Twists, especially the strawberry and green apple flavors.

Ten Thousand Villages is located at 140 North 8th Street and is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays.

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Get It Free! Black Taffy Licorice

Do you remember "Black Jack" taffy--that chewy, addictive treat with anise and licorice flavors? Maybe it was what you looked for in your Halloween bag, or it was your favorite treat in Grandpa's candy dish.

Although you can't get "Back Jack" taffy anymore, you can still enjoy "Black Taffy" made by the Primrose Company. It's available through Licorice International.

And if you place an order through Licorice International's website during the month of May, you can receive a free sample of Back Taffy. Details here.

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Ernie Loves Licorice

Sesame Street's Ernie has good taste. See how he tricks Bert out of most of the licorice whip candy! Can you blame him?



He'd have a lot of fun with Licorice Laces from Licorice International.

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Licorice Has Become Hot

Though called "candy's black sheep," licorice is gaining popularity. From candy stores to fine dining establishments, licorice is in high demand. The National Confectioners Association reports that licorice sales are growing considerably faster than candy in general. Customers at Licorice International often start out buying licorice for their parents, but soon discover they like it too. Read more about this phenomenon here.

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Licorice may help prevent cancer

New research gives another reason to love licorice: A chemical component of licorice may offer a new approach to preventing colorectal cancer without the adverse side effects of other preventive therapies, Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers report.

Read the whole article here.

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Licorice Mints

Licorice and mints. I must admit the combination sounded strange to me at first. But it really makes sense. Licorice naturally freshens breath and actually helps fight cavities. In fact, the popular Mentos candies were created in Netherlands as a licorice-flavorted sweet called "Drop Mentos." Licorice is called "drop" in the Netherlands and has been a popular treat there ever since Dutch exploreres first brought licorice root back from their travels.

Although you can't buy Drop Mentos in U.S. stores, you can purchase these treats on-line from Licorice International here.

Another one of my favorite mints goes by the interesting name "Hint Mints" and comes in a unique tin designed to fit in your back pocket. Hint Mints, an American candy, have a strong mint-and-licorice flavor that especially appeals to hard core licorice lovers. I find them downright addicting. You can purchase hint mints here.

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Free Licorice Snaps

Just in time for spring! Now you can try a sample of Original Licorice Snaps, made by the American Licorice Company. The bright pastel colors remind me of spring flowers. With a formula that hasn't changed in over 75 years, Snaps are an old fashioned favorite.

If you place an order with Licorice International before April 30, you'll receive a FREE sample pack (1.1 ounce) of Snaps. Complete info here.

Licorice International Now on Twitter

Do you twitter? Now you can follow Licorice International on Twitter. Check it out at http://twitter.com/licoricelover

Licorice, Almonds and Pears -- Not a Joke

It's not an April Fool's joke. Licorice, almonds and pears really do go together! And they look like mice, if done right! Try this fun recipe for "Mice Pears," which was included in the food section of Northwest Arkansas "Morning News." Although the recipe calls for angelica, it also suggests you substitute black licorice. You can use our Black licorice laces (available here) for the tail and also add some whiskers, to make it even more fun.

Click here for the recipe (look for "Mice Pears").

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Licorice and Stress

A friend of mine regularly uses licorice to combat stress She said if she's feeling stressed out, she sucks on a piece of Panda licorice (she likes Panda because it uses molasses instead of sugar) or she brews a pot of licorice spice tea.

A little research showed that my friend is in good company. Licorice has been used to combat stress for centuries. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans reguarly used it for stress. In fact, Alexander the Great passed out licorice root to his battle troops.

It turns out that licorice strengthens the adrenal glands, which regulate the body's stress response.
So the next time you feel stressed, reach for your favorite licorice treat. Make sure the candy you choose is made with real licorice root, not just flavored with anise. You can find all kinds of licorice from all over the world through Licorice International. To start with, try my friend's favorite Panda licorice, or some Dutch treats, such as Soft Licorice Drops or Beehive Honey Licorice. (But there are lots more to choose from here.) If you prefer the soothing nature of hard candy, try Potter's original licorice bits. And if you want a natural treat reminsent of the ancients, try chewing or sucking on licorice root sticks.

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A special visit to Licorice International

Tom Neubauer from Milwauke, Wisconsin, recently visited the Licorice International retail store in Lincoln, Nebraska. Here's what he had to say:

On Saturday, the 21st , our family visited your store. I haven’t been able to find a replacement for my old favorite, Switzer’s, for a long while. Now I have a resource for the ages and a check list to boot. I selected the Finnska Ripples. Our daughter moved from our home in Milwaukee in 2008 to join the UN Press. Thanks for filling a hole in my stomach and my diet.

Licorice Shapes and Personality

Have you ever thought about the different shapes of Licorice? What's your favorite licorice shape? What does that tell you about your personality? Take this purely unscientific quiz to see what your favorite licorice shape tells about your personality.

First, think of your favorite type of licorice. What shape is it? It might be cylinders, laces, cute shapes, drops, tire tread, twists, rounds, diamonds, or wheels. If you aren't familiar with different kinds of licorice, think what kind you might be drawn to. Then consult the list to see what your favorite shape reveals about your personality.

(All licorice mentioned is available from Licorice International. Click on the names to order.)

Cylinders (such as Salmiak Rocks) – You’re a no-nonsense type. You like things to be practical and useful. What you see is what you get.

Laces (such as Black Licorice Laces) – You’re athletic and action oriented. Easily bored, you’re always looking for a new challenge and often try several new things at once. A risk taker.

Shapes (such as Farm Licorice) – You’re a kid at heart. Your active imagination and creativity make you a fun conversationalist. The life of the party.

Drops (such as Harlekijn Licorice) – You’re conservative and make good, well-informed choices. Your wisdom is widely valued by those around you. Moderation in all things.

Tire Tread (such as Black Tire Tread Licorice) – You love life and want to enjoy every moment to the fullest. Life’s too short not to make the most of everything you’ve been given. Seize the day!

Twists (such as Kookaburra Black Twists) – You have an analytical mind. You love puzzles and quandaries that test your logical thinking skills. Quite decisive.



Rounds (such as Gustafs Royal Rounds) -- You’re always thinking of others. Your kindness and hospitality are evident to anyone, even those who’ve only known you a short while. Others first.

Diamonds (such as Diamond Licorice) – You’re good at seeing the big picture, and you have a vision for the future. A born leader.

Wheels (such as Black Licorice Wheels) – You have a need for symmetry and order. You have a real eye for detail. A place for everything, and everything in its place.

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A Review from Candy Addict Blog

Our friends at the Candy Addict Blog LOVE licorice. Today they reviewed three of our new products:

Waldov Soft Eating Original Liquorice from Australia, which they declared to be "sooooo soft" (which is a good thing) with a "superb" flavor.





Waldov Soft Eating Raspberry Liquorice from Australia, which they described as just as soft, with a sweet and tart flavor, great for raspberry lovers.

Finally, they tried our new Oh Ryan's Irish Potatoes. Although skeptical, they found they liked the unusual treat.

You can read their entire blog post here. Thanks for the shout out, Candy Addict!

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Comments, anyone?

Amy, a Lincoln resident, recently sent us the following e-mail:

"I just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading the blog! Makes me want to drive downtown every time. I will stop by soon!"

Are you enjoying the blog? Leave us a comment, whether you're a local customer or an on-line visitor. We'd love to hear from you.

Irish Licorice Toffee--a Special St. Patrick's Day Treat

Quick--what are some treats you might serve at a St. Patrick's Day party? Green jello? Soda bread? Corned beef? This year, instead of just the old stand-bys, serve some Irish Licorice Toffee from Licorice International.

At my licorice tasting party, the Irish Licorice Toffee was a favorite of licorice lovers as well as the not-so-enthusiastic friends. Everone liked the combined flavors of toffee and real licorice and the soft, chewy (but not sticky) texture.

Click here to order Irish Licorice Toffee.

Eat Licorice. Share a meal at Bread & Cup.

Just down the street from Licorice International in Lincoln's Historic Haymarket, you'll find Bread & Cup, a new restaurant that's becoming a popular destination.

It's a refreshing alternative: simple food and drink meant to be shared. It's about fresh ingredients and letting the natural processes of heat and fermentation enhance the good flavors of the food, explained Kevin Shinn, who owns the restaurant with his wife Karen (pictured right). Favorite meal items include hearty stews, soups and sandwiches, such as the popular pulled pork, served with baked apples, or the new turkey salad sandwich tossed in cream cheese, green chiles, green onion and cumin. When the Farmers Market is active, you can enjoy "Market Meals" created from fresh produce purchased that day from local farmers.

But it's about more than the food. It's about slowing down, connecting with others, enjoying good conversation. It's about sharing quality wine and their "slowdough" break coupled with aged cheese, apple butter or pesto. Or relaxing in a peaceful environment over French press coffee and freshly baked scones.

"We really want to be known as a place where people connect," said Kerry Knight, manager. "Throughout history people seem to connect better through food and drink."

Kerry is a big fan of Licorice International. Kerry's favorite kinds of licorice are:
Irish toffee. ("They melt in your mouth," he says.) Available here.
Good and Plenty (Fresher than anyplace else, he says). Available here.
Strawberry Kookaburra Twists. Available here.
Black Tire Tread. Available here.

Bread & Cup is located at the corner of 8th and S Street in Lincoln's Historic Haymarket.
For more information see http://www.breadandcup.com/ or call 402-438-2255.

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Watch This Video from Irish Potato Factory

During a recent trip to Philadelphia, Licorice Lady Elizabeth Erlandson enjoyed a tour of Oh Ryan’s, the largest manufacturer of Irish Potatoes, a special kind of candy. Never heard of Irish Potatoes? “They aren’t Irish and there’s no potato in it whatsoever,” said owner Dave Lamparelli. Irish Potatoes are made from coconut cream coated in cinnamon, a tasty treat that looks a little like a potato. In Philadelphia they’re a common treat around St. Patrick’s Day.

The process starts with the coconut cream going through the “cut roll machine,” a 70-year-old machine that cuts the coconut cream and rolls it into little balls. Then the treats go through the “cinnamonizer,” where they are coated in pure cinnamon. The little potatoes are hand wrapped, packaged and sent to distributors. From January 1st through St. Patrick’s Day, about 20 employees are kept busy 12 hours a day, making an average of 2000 pounds of Irish Potatoes every day. That’s 85,000 pounds per season!

Most Irish Potatoes are sold in Philadelphia, along with other unique Philly treats such as scrapple and Tasty Cakes. But Lamparelli said they have sent the candies as far away as Alaska, where an Irish dance troupe used them for a fundraiser.

And now you can buy Irish Potatoes through Licorice International. They’re available in our retail store and online. Click here to order Irish Potatoes. Order early to make sure you get them in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

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