Valentine’s Day certainly has a hand in the rise of confection and candy sales each year. Sure, the typical box of chocolates or assorted truffles is a go-to for many during this holiday, but what about the fun old-time candies like licorice? Bristol Farms offers several varieties of natural licorice that yields the true flavor of the herbal candy. From Europe and Australia to product produced here in the good old USA, there is something for every taste preference. This Valentine’s Day, visit us and gift your licorice lover some great varieties like Bassett’s Licorice Alsorts from England, RJ’s Natural Licorice from New Zealand, and Newman’s Own Organic Licorice from Aptos, CA.
Ever Wonder How Licorice is Made?
There are two ways to produce licorice. Companies producing licorice on small production scales often use the corn starch molding process, while larger-scale production companies use the licorice rope extrusion process.
In the starch molding process, a tray with long rows of molds is filled with corn starch to keep the licorice from sticking. Next, hot syrup containing licorice is poured into the molds and cooled. How the syrup is cooked determines if the candy is tough, chewy or soft. After the cooling process, the licorice is dumped onto a packaging table and given a glaze.
The licorice rope extrusion process is another way to make licorice candy. It starts with boiling a mix containing licorice root extract to an exact temperature. Next, flavorings and colorings are added and the mix is slowly cooked until it is a dough-like consistency. Afterwards, it is placed in an extruder that resembles a meat processor. The mix is forced out of tiny holes making it into a rope. The rope is sometimes twisted to give a more interesting form.
To see a video on the process of making licorice, visit the link below.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours!
http://youtu.be/AVAnYMVRmdI
Source: National Confectioners Association