There's Nothing Quite Like Dutch Licorice!

By Spencer Samaroo

You may not know this, but as a nation the Dutch consume more licorice per capita than any other country in the world, almost 4½ pounds of the stuff per person every year with a total estimated market value of over $225 million. You might also not know that Dutch Licorice, or drop as they call it, is very different from the licorice we get in Australia. It is certainly not to everyone's taste. Rather one you acquire. Some people actually quite detest it. But those who have tried it and liked it, quickly begin to swear by it.

So what makes Dutch Licorice so different to all other types?

Well for a start it is very salty. Much saltier than any type of licorice currently made in Australia. The reason for that is that it contains quite a large amount of sal ammoniac which for those of you who studied the ancient language would know is the traditional Latin name for ammonium chloride. Those of you who have studied chemistry would also know that ammonium chloride is a particular type of ammonia salt, which is the principle reason why it eminates a unique taste that sits somewhere between common garden table salt and ammonia. Like I said Dutch Licorice it is an acquired taste!

Dutch Licorice is predominantly black or very dark brown in colour, (although it can also be white or light grey as well), and is most popularly categorised as single, double or triple salted depending on the amount of ammonium chloride that is combined with the licorice root extract that is used to make most mainstream licorice products as well as other ingredients such as sugar, starch or gum arabic. It can also range from being very soft to bite in to like Soft Points or Buttons, to very hard like Black or Brown Coins. Some flavours can even be coated in candy shells like Kleurendrops or School Chalk or sugar coated like Griotten Cubes which if our sales figures are to be believed are most in demand.

Although it doesn't enjoy the same popularity in Australia as it does in its native Holland where most grocery and confectionery stores as well as many chemists and petrol stations invariably have 'pick n mix' selections in what appear to be over-sized bins, Dutch Licorice is enjoyed by a loyal army of ex-pats or Scandinavians, all of whom are delighted they can get it over here.

Spencer Samaroo, Managing Director, Moo-Lolly-Bar
http://www.moolollybar.com.au
The best online chocolate, lolly and confectionery store on the web!

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