National Licorice Day

National Licorice Day is a celebration of the unique flavors and heritage of the licorice plant and is observed annually on April 12. This day highlights both the traditional black licorice derived from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant and the various modern confectioneries that have become popular treats across the globe.

Read also about National Sour Candy Day

History of National Licorice Day

The observance was established in 2004 by the National Confectioners Association in conjunction with Licorice International, a specialized retailer based in Nebraska. The founders created the day to provide a lighthearted distraction for people during the tax season, as the April 12 date falls just before the annual tax filing deadline in the United States. While the day was initially intended to promote black licorice, it quickly expanded to include all forms of the candy, including fruit-flavored twists and salty international varieties.

Licorice itself has a history spanning over 4,000 years, beginning as a medicinal herb in ancient Egypt, Greece, and China. Historically, the root was used to treat coughs, digestive issues, and inflammation before it transitioned into the world of sweets. In the late 18th century, a confectioner in Pontefract, England, began adding sugar to the medicinal extract, creating the first recognizable licorice candies. This innovation paved the way for the global industry that today produces hundreds of variations of the chewy treat.

Why is National Licorice Day important?

This day serves as an educational opportunity to distinguish between true licorice and its many imitators. Authentic black licorice is flavored with glycyrrhizin, a natural compound found in the licorice root, while many “red” or fruit-flavored candies in the United States use anise oil or artificial flavors to achieve a similar profile. By focusing on the plant’s botanical roots, the observance encourages consumers to appreciate the complex, earthy flavor of the traditional herb and its long-standing role in herbal medicine and culinary history.

The observance also celebrates the cultural diversity of the confectionery world. Licorice is a polarizing flavor that varies significantly by region, from the extremely salty “salmiak” favored in Scandinavia and the Netherlands to the sweet, soft ropes popular in North America. This day brings together enthusiasts and curious tasters to explore these international differences, fostering a global appreciation for a simple plant that has influenced human diet and medicine for millennia.

• It highlights the natural sweetness of the licorice root, which is much sweeter than sugar.
• The day supports the candy industry and local specialty retailers.
• It preserves the history of traditional candy-making techniques and recipes.
• Collectors and enthusiasts share rare and international varieties with their communities.
• The observance marks a fun break during the typically stressful tax preparation season.

How to Celebrate National Licorice Day

Celebrating involves sampling different styles of licorice to discover personal preferences between sweet, salty, or fruity varieties. Many people host “tasting parties” where they compare traditional black licorice from Europe with modern American twists to see how the flavors vary by country of origin. It is also a popular time to visit local candy shops or order international samplers online to experience unique textures like hard drops, soft laces, or filled pipes.

Beyond eating the candy, the day can be observed by incorporating licorice root into cooking or beverages. Dried licorice root can be used to brew soothing herbal teas or to flavor syrups and marinades for savory dishes. Some gardeners use the day as a reminder to plant their own licorice herbs, which produce attractive purple flowers and can be harvested for their roots after a few years of growth. Sharing these treats with friends or coworkers is a common way to spread the “peace, love, and vines” associated with the holiday.

• Purchase a variety of international licorice to compare flavors from different countries.
• Bake a batch of cookies or a cake infused with licorice extract or anise.
• Share a bag of your favorite licorice twists with colleagues or neighbors.
• Research the medicinal history of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant.
• Try a cup of natural licorice root tea for a caffeine-free energy boost.

National Licorice Day Dates Table