Food Grade Liquorice

Glycyhizza glabra vs. Glycyrrhiza uralensis:

Glycyrrhiza glabra and Glycyrrhiza uralensis are two distinct species of liquorice with unique characteristics, origins, and uses in traditional medicine and culinary applications. Both are wildcrafted and sourced from different regions, contributing to their specific chemical profiles and traditional uses.

⦁ Glycyrrhiza glabra: Known as sweet liquorice, G. glabra primarily belongs to Afghanistan. Its roots contain high levels of glycyrrhizin, the compound responsible for its characteristic sweetness and medicinal properties. G. glabra is commonly used in herbal medicine, food flavoring, and traditional remedies and is valued for its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.

⦁ Glycyrrhiza uralensis: Often called Chinese liquorice, G. uralensis is native to Central Asia, especially China and Mongolia. This species has a slightly different chemical composition compared to G. glabra and is primarily used in Asian herbal formulations. While it shares certain therapeutic properties with G. glabra, its flavor profile and potency vary.

Bulk buying industries and what do they use liquorice in?

Bulk-buying industries widely utilize liquorice for its unique flavor and health benefits. It is a popular ingredient in various sectors due to its natural sweetness and medicinal properties. Below are some of the key industries that use liquorice:

⦁ Food and Confectionery: The food and confectionery industry widely incorporates liquorice in products like candies, chewing gum, and flavored beverages. Its naturally sweet, slightly bitter taste profile enhances flavor and adds unique depth to a variety of consumables.

⦁ Pharmaceuticals: In the pharmaceutical sector, liquorice is valued for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It is often used in cough syrups, lozenges, and other medicinal formulations to relieve symptoms and enhance the effectiveness of other ingredients.

⦁ Cosmetics: Liquorice extract is included in various cosmetic products due to its skin-brightening and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly found in creams, lotions, and serums aimed at treating skin conditions and promoting a more even skin tone.

⦁ Herbal Medicine and Supplements: The herbal medicine industry utilizes licorice for its health-supporting properties. It is commonly found in herbal teas, tinctures, and dietary supplements designed to support digestive and gut health.

Sourcing of Liquorice ensuring fair trade and compliance with labor laws:

Liquorice sourcing practice is a commitment to fair trade principles and strict adherence to labor laws. We ensure that everyone involved in our supply chain is treated with respect and dignity, strictly prohibiting child labor and ensuring fair wages for all workers. Our commitment also extends to maintaining safe and healthy working conditions in line with international labor standards, ensuring that workers are not only compensated fairly but also work in an environment that prioritizes their safety and well-being. 

Active Ingredients of Liquorice:

⦁ Glycyrrhizin: Known for its natural sweetness and anti-inflammatory properties, glycyrrhizin is a primary compound in liquorice, valued in both food and medicinal uses.

⦁ Glabredin: A flavonoid with antioxidant effects, glabredin supports skin health and overall well-being, often used in cosmetics for its potential skin-brightening qualities.

⦁ Liquiritin: Another significant flavonoid, liquiritin has soothing properties and is used to support digestive and respiratory health in herbal remedies.

⦁ Glycyrrhizic Acid: Closely related to glycyrrhizin, this compound also provides sweetening properties and is studied for its immune-boosting effects.

What is GA%?

GA% stands for the Glycyrrhizin Acid percentage in liquorice root or licorice-based products. Glycyrrhizin is a natural compound in liquorice root, giving it its characteristic sweet taste and providing its primary active properties. It ranges between 3% ~ 8% depending on the batch. The GA% indicates the concentration of glycyrrhizin acid, often specified by buyers and manufacturers in the food, pharmaceutical, and supplement industries to meet quality standards for liquorice products.

Peeled vs. Unpeeled Licorice Roots:

Here’s a table comparing peeled and unpeeled liquorice roots, focusing on their differences in processing and applications:

Liquorice Formats:

Nutralfa Pvt. Ltd. offers Liquorice in various formats, including root sticks (short and long), fine mesh powder, teabag cut, cut and sift, button or coin cut and cut sift. We can also customize and select the length and diameter of the sticks to meet your specific requirements.

Liquorice Long Sticks

Peeled Liquorice Roots

Liquorice Short Sticks

Liquorice Fine Mesh Powder

Liquorice Tea Bag Cut 

Liquorice Coarse Cut

Liquorice Cut Sift

Liquorice Button Cut

Liquorice name in different languages: Commonly spelled as ‘Liquorice’ and ‘Licorice’. Chinese: Gān cǎo, French: Réglisse, German: Süßholz, Hindi: Mulethi, Spanish: Regaliz, Sinhala: Valmi or Valmee

What are Mycotoxins and Matrine?

Mycotoxins:

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds (fungi) that can contaminate food and feed products. They can form during the growth, harvesting, or storage of crops, and are known to pose significant health risks to humans as well as animals. Common types of mycotoxins include aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and fumonisins. 

Matrine:

Matrine is an alkaloid compound known for its therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, as well as its insecticidal benefits in agriculture. However, controlling marine levels in products is essential, as excessive amounts can lead to adverse effects, including potential toxicity and undesired pharmacological actions. 

Sterilization of Roots:

⦁ Steam Sterilization: This method uses high-temperature steam to kill pathogens. 

⦁ Irradiation: Exposing the roots to controlled gamma rays or electron beams can effectively sterilize them without affecting the taste. It is ideal for bulk storage as it enhances longevity and safety.

⦁ Ethylene Oxide Treatment: A gas sterilization process that penetrates deep into the root material to eliminate bacteria and fungi. 

⦁ UV Light Treatment: Using ultraviolet light as a surface sterilizer can kill surface pathogens without altering the taste. 

Packaging Options for Bulk Orders:

PP (Polypropylene): 25Kg PP Bags & 50Kg PP Bags

Jute Bags: 40Kg PP Bags

Shipping methods:

⦁ Door delivery

⦁ Delivery to the nearest seaport

⦁ Delivery to the nearest airport

Certifications for Food Grade Liquorice: 

We are proud to be certified with ISO 9001:2015 and HACCP, along with several other memberships and licenses, which validate our commitment to quality and food safety standards. These certifications ensure that our food-grade liquorice undergoes strict quality control measures at each stage of production, guaranteeing consistency, purity, and adherence to industry standards. With these rigorous processes in place, we can confidently deliver liquorice that meets the highest standards, aligned precisely with the quality expected in every approved order batch.

Disclaimer: We do not claim to cure any disease with this product.

For inquiries on licorice roots, please write to info@nutralfa.uk