blocks, or powders, and are used in various
confections, to give color and flavor to dark
beers, porter, and stout, and to flavor tobacco
for cigars, cigarettes, and chewing. Many
licorice candies are flavored with anise-like
anethole (p. 414), but licorice root itself has a
more complex aroma, with almond and floral
notes.
Thanks to its hormone-like chemical
structure, glycyrrhizic acid has a number of
effects on the human body, some helpful and
some not. It helps soothe coughs, but it also
can disrupt normal regulation of mineral and
blood pressure levels. Licorice is therefore
best consumed in moderation and
infrequently; daily consumption can
sometimes cause a significant rise in blood
pressure and other problems.
Fenugreek Fenugreek is the small, hard seed
of a bean relative, Trigonella foenumgraecum,
that’s native to southwest Asia and the