Dear Gentle Reader,
Why didn’t anyone leave a note? Do you think we shall yet find a stone engraving? I’m not much of a gossip, but my ears itch to know why the Pharaoh Tutankhamun had so much licorice in his tomb. Rumors are he was particularly fond of a drink made with the root. But, you know the use of hearsay.
I may never enter his tomb personally to find out, but no matter. A bit further Northwest, in Italy, there is the Museo della Liquirizia. They can tell us all about their licorice factory. Since 1731, the Amarelli family has been transforming licorice into juice, candy, liquor, tea, chocolates…who knows what else?
The tea, I assure you, is worth the boat, train, bus, and walking trip, if an airplane ticket is not to be found.
Keep some licorice root stashed in your cellar, in case you or your family ever need to:
- Aid an upset stomach
- Reduce inflammation
- Treat asthma
- Treat bronchitis
- Ease heartburn
- Reduce hot flashes
- Stop a cough
- Prevent bacterial infections
- Protect teeth from cavities
- Regulate blood sugar levels
- Cleanse the kidneys
- Prevent virus infections (1)
Yes, there are other wonderful places to acquire the herb. But, my friend…It’s Italy. After visiting the museum, we’ll sit by the fountain cafe, splash a little champagne in our tea for “colazzione” with a Nutella croissant — we’ll have a grand time of it.
By the way, this is how my family in Cervaro, Frozzinone prepares the concoction (minus the champagne):
1–2 teaspoons of sliced licorice root (dried)
1 cup of water
- Bring the water to a rolling boil
2. Lower the temperature to a simmer
3. Add the licorice slices
4. Simmer covered for 15 minutes
5. Let cool and serve
My zia Amalia loves her tea with a chunk of cinnamon stick and a tiny piece of ginger. Try stirring both with the licorice slices. Vague as it sounds, this is the most exact recipe I could extract from my boisterous relatives.
Many blessings to your family,
Valeria Paz
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Sources:
- Wang, L., Yang, R., Yuan, B., Liu, Y., & Liu, C. (2015, July). The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely-used Chinese herb. Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B, 5(4), 310–315
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
