Boiled licorice root; what should I be expecting?

[ShiniKoroshi]

This is my second try at boiling licorice root to extract the glycyrrhizin. Smells like boiled cauliflower and has a bitter taste with a slightly sweet aftertaste. Is this the real deal or have I been fooled once again?

Anyone have a good source for root or should I just go with a bottled extract?

 

[Juxtaposer-]

I hope you are exaggerating! Should be woody sweet but it is an acquired taste. My source was random I don’t remember from where. An extract sounds good but the strength will need to be found out. I read brewers licorice here and there and that sounds like a good choice.

 

[ShiniKoroshi]

I hope you are exaggerating! Should be woody sweet but it is an acquired taste. My source was random I don’t remember from where. An extract sounds good but the strength will need to be found out. I read brewers licorice here and there and that sounds like a good choice.

I put quite a bit in to boil and simply assume it should be sickly sweet. Its more bitter than sweet and drinking a little bit made my tummy hurt.

 

[Plinsc]

I ordered licorice root tea bags from Amazon, it’s really sweet. I also have root slices to boil.

 

[ShiniKoroshi]

I ordered licorice root tea bags from Amazon, it’s really sweet. I also have root slices to boil.

I got mine from Amazon too. Another question though; does it taste like licorice/anise? What I have has no licorice flavor at all. Just extremely bitter with the hint of sweet aftertaste.

Im looking over licorice granules as an alternative to using a "flavor" as offered by Lorann Oils, Flavor West, etc.

 

[Juxtaposer-]

It would not have an anise taste. It should not be noticeably bitter.

 

[ShiniKoroshi]

It would not have an anise taste. It should not be noticeably bitter.

This looks like a better alternative but I can't find it in the US so Ill have to order from Sweden. Might as well try some of their coffee too.

Lakritsfabriken Premium Licorice Granules 75g ( 2.65 oz ) Made in Sweden​

The licorice factory in Ramlösa Premium Liquorice Granules is licorice granules originating from Italy that is excellent for flavoring and decorating dishes, pastries, desserts and sweets.

Ingredients: 100% licorice granules Average glycyrrhizinic acid 4.4%

 

[Juxtaposer-]

I expect this to be a licorice root powder.
Try chewing on some of what you have to see what it tastes like.

 

[ShiniKoroshi]

I expect this to be a licorice root powder.
Try chewing on some of what you have to see what it tastes like.

Dried and ground extract. It dissolves in warm water. I saw the term "licorice granules" in one of the docs posted somewhere I was reading; casing ingredients for Pall Mall if I remember correctly. (Link to thread)

Im growing Little Dutch and would like to do a "traditional" casing for pipe.

 

[wruk53]

I got mine from Amazon too. Another question though; does it taste like licorice/anise? What I have has no licorice flavor at all. Just extremely bitter with the hint of sweet aftertaste.

Im looking over licorice granules as an alternative to using a "flavor" as offered by Lorann Oils, Flavor West, etc.

This is what I use to sweeten overly bitter snus, it is very sweet, with no anise flavor.

 

[ShiniKoroshi]

This is what I use to sweeten overly bitter snus, it is very sweet, with no anise flavor.

Let me see if I can find this locally and Ill give it a try.

I have to ask though; why is licorice called as such if it doesn't taste like licorice (anise, fennel, etc)? European reviews mention the licorice taste but most American reviews don't. Since licorice is popular in much of Europe Im thinking they would be more critical of quality.

 

[Juxtaposer-]

A dehydrated extract looks like gold! Now my interest in the difference between the cocoa and the chocolate is piqued.

 

[ShiniKoroshi]

A dehydrated extract looks like gold! Now my interest in the difference between the cocoa and the chocolate is piqued.

Maybe the secret formula is in raw cocoa beans.

 

[Hemlock]

This is my second try at boiling licorice root to extract the glycyrrhizin. Smells like boiled cauliflower and has a bitter taste with a slightly sweet aftertaste. Is this the real deal or have I been fooled once again?

Anyone have a good source for root or should I just go with a bottled extract?

I bought the sticks and same results as you. Waste of time. I bought some 100% natural extract and will give that a try soon. Maybe reducing the boil from roots will get you to the same place but seems like an awful lot of energy to make what one can better just buy.

 

[ShiniKoroshi]

I bought the sticks and same results as you. Waste of time. I bought some 100% natural extract and will give that a try soon. Maybe reducing the boil from roots will get you to the same place but seems like an awful lot of energy to make what one can better just buy.

Good point!

From the looks of it you have 250mg of dried extract (granules) dissolved into 1ml of solvent. Total 7.5g of dried extract for $16.95, or $2.26 per gram.



The Licorice Granules are dried extract "100% licorice granules Average glycyrrhizinic acid 4.4%". 75g for $17.99, or $0.24 per gram.
This is only important after we learn how much is typically needed, either of which are better than the roots available.

Only real solution here is to grow it ourselves.

Allow me to add this. Im being picky because I want to get a close to an 1880's smoke as I can. I have a theory......
Otherwise I have become quite fond of my "raw" tobacco blends and would rather buy more pounds of tobacco.

 

[DaleB]

Only real solution here is to grow it ourselves.

Great, another rabbit hole... just what I need... hanging around this place is hazardous. We're running low on popcorn... guess what I'm tempted to plant this spring? But can I grow enough in the back yard for both popping and distilling? Maybe I can squeeze it in there beside the licorice and anise.

 

[ShiniKoroshi]

We're running low on popcorn...

I had planned for a year to do some hot glass work this winter but then bought a pipe in October......... However, this has been a wonderful experience and Im glad to be inspired to grow again. I had stopped growing orchids after theft of nearly 400 well grown specimens I had collected over the previous decade. That only lead to new learning and experience so its all good.

 

[ShiniKoroshi]

So Ive tried a couple of the Amarelli Licorice candies and they are the real deal, even shows some pulp once dissolved. Unfortunately the amount of glycyrrhizic acid is not given. It works though as most acids do. I should have went with a better option, 26% glycyrrhizic acid powder as its cheaper and may be easier to dissolve. Meanwhile I will enjoy this delicious candy!

 

[ShiniKoroshi]

Finally having some success with licorice and Im smoking my best rollies yet. The glycyrrhizic acid in licorice seems to be more potent than citric acid though it does not impart a taste or aroma. However, it doesn't seem to lessen nicotine or throat hit but it does remove the irritating harshness. Too much of it starts with a bit of bite which becomes more intense the more cased leaf or more licorice used. My current formula is 1 licorice drop in 1 ounce of rum (it takes about 24 hours to dissolve). Tobacco in low case is brought to medium case by spraying with licorice/rum. Allow to soak in for an hour or two then dry down to the desired moisture.