The question of how long does licorice last has a nuanced answer, as it depends on whether you are talking about the chewy, commercially produced candy or the natural, dried licorice root. While both have their own shelf life, proper storage is the single most important factor for preserving quality and flavor, with natural licorice sticks often lasting significantly longer than their confectionary counterparts.
Licorice Candy: Shelf Life and Storage
For most standard licorice candies, including both black and red varieties, the general rule is to follow the "Best Before" or expiration date printed on the package. These dates are indicators of peak quality, not necessarily safety.
Unopened Packaging
An unopened package of licorice candy can typically last for 6 to 12 months when stored in optimal conditions. The key is to keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat, which can cause the candy to melt or degrade.
Opened Packaging
Once you open the package, the clock on freshness starts ticking much faster. Exposure to air is the enemy of chewy candy, causing it to harden and lose its pliable texture.
- Initial Freshness: After opening, licorice is best consumed within a few weeks, generally 2 to 4 weeks, to enjoy its best texture.
- Storage Tips: To extend the life of opened licorice, always place it in a tightly sealed, airtight container. Mason jars or resealable plastic bags can work well. This prevents moisture loss and maintains its chewiness.
- Consider the Refrigerator: In particularly hot or humid environments, storing opened licorice in the refrigerator can help maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming sticky or overly soft.
Natural Licorice Root and Sticks: The Herbal Alternative
Natural licorice root and sticks, often sold for use in teas or as a flavoring, behave very differently than candy. Unlike candy, which relies on moisture for its texture, licorice root is naturally dry and is not expected to soften.
- Longevity: Dried licorice sticks do not truly expire in the same way that candy does. When stored correctly, they can last for several years, with some connoisseurs believing their flavor improves over time.
- Storage: Keep licorice root in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place to protect its aromatic compounds from degradation. Protect it from moisture, as this could encourage mold growth.
- Licorice Root Powder: For powders, the shelf life is typically shorter than whole sticks. It's often recommended to use the powder within 3 to 12 months of opening to ensure maximum potency and flavor.
How to Tell if Licorice Has Gone Bad
While licorice has a long shelf life, it can eventually go bad, though it is more likely to just go stale. There are distinct signs that indicate whether your licorice is past its prime or unsafe to eat.
- Stale Candy: The most common sign of old licorice candy is a change in texture. It will become very hard, dry, and brittle, losing its characteristic chewiness. While stale candy is often safe to eat, it is not pleasant.
- Mold: The presence of mold is a definitive sign that the licorice is spoiled and should be discarded immediately. This is more likely to occur if the candy or root has been exposed to damp or humid conditions.
- Off Smell or Taste: If the licorice smells or tastes funny, or if the flavor is significantly diminished, it's a good indicator that it's no longer at its best.
Rescuing Stale Licorice Candy
If your licorice candy has hardened from exposure to air, there are a couple of tricks you can use to restore its chewy texture.
- Microwave Method: Place a few pieces of licorice on a paper towel and microwave for 5-10 seconds. Start with a short time, as overdoing it can cause melting. Check and add a second or two if needed. The heat will soften the candy back to a pliable state.
- Hot Water Method: Place the licorice in a sealed, waterproof plastic bag. Pour hot water over the bag and let it sit for about 15 seconds. The warmth and moisture will help soften the candy without making it soggy.
What About Expired Licorice?
Many people confuse a "Best Before" date with an expiration date. "Best Before" simply indicates when the product is at its peak quality. As long as it is stored correctly and there are no signs of mold or an off smell, expired licorice candy may be safe to eat, though it will likely be stale. Always err on the side of caution and discard if any signs of spoilage are present.
Licorice Candy vs. Licorice Root: A Comparison
| Feature | Licorice Candy | Licorice Root / Sticks |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Made with licorice root extract or anise oil, sugar, and gelatin or flour. Red licorice uses artificial flavors. | The dried root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. |
| Typical Form | Soft, pliable ropes, twists, or other shapes. | Dried, hard sticks or powder. |
| Texture | Chewy, moist. Becomes hard and brittle when stale. | Woody and hard. Not meant to be chewed like candy. |
| Flavor | Strong, sweet, anise-like (black licorice). Fruity or cinnamon-flavored (red licorice). | Sweet, complex, and woody. |
| Shelf Life (Unopened) | 6-12 months. | Several years. |
| Shelf Life (Opened) | 2-4 weeks (optimal freshness). | Indefinitely (if stored properly). |
| Storage | Airtight container at room temperature. Refrigerate in high humidity. | Airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. |
| Use | Primarily a confectionary treat. | Used for tea, flavoring, or medicinal purposes. |
The Different "Licorice" Types
It's worth noting the distinction between black licorice and other forms. Red licorice is not actually licorice; it's a candy that simply uses a similar shape and chewy texture. It is flavored with things like strawberry, cherry, or raspberry and has a similar shelf life to its black counterpart. Salty licorice (salmiakki), popular in Nordic countries, is flavored with ammonium chloride for a distinct salty flavor but still falls under the same general storage and shelf-life guidelines as other candies. For information on the potential health effects of licorice root, which contains the compound glycyrrhizin, you can consult authoritative resources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Conclusion
To maximize the enjoyment and shelf life of your licorice, the most crucial step is to understand what kind you have and how to store it. Commercially produced licorice candy, regardless of color, will degrade in texture after opening, and an airtight container is essential to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Dried licorice root, on the other hand, is a more resilient product that can last for years if kept dry and sealed. By recognizing the signs of staleness and spoilage and following the correct storage procedures, you can ensure your licorice remains a tasty treat for its intended lifespan.
