If you're a fan of licorice, you're in good company - many cultures around the world have been using licorice-root and other licorice-tasting spices for centuries. In fact, the ancient Greeks and Romans used to use licorice to sweeten their food and drinks, long before sugar was widely available.
But licorice isn't just for eating and drinking - it's also been used in traditional medicine for ages. The Chinese, for example, have been using licorice root to treat everything from digestive issues to skin problems for thousands of years.
And then there's star anise, another licorice-tasting spice that's commonly used in baking and cooking. This little star-shaped spice is actually the dried fruit of a plant, and it's packed with antioxidants and other good stuff.
Anise Vs. Licorice - The Confrontation Of Two Renowned Spices