Liquorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra. Yes, it is what it claims to be: This is the plant that produces the distinctive flavour found in confectioneries and candies world wide. Liquorice is an herbaceous perennial legume that is harvested for its roots. The roots contain a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is said to be 30 to 50 times sweeter than sugar. Much of the distinctive flavour or liquorice is produced by the compound anethole, which is also found in fennel, anise, and star anise, although it is botanically unrelated to those plants. Space the 1m (3') tall plants at least 60cm (24") apart in the row, and harvest in the second or third year. Reserve and replant some of the roots to keep the crop going. This perennial is hardy to Zone 7.