Ramadan drinks are a popular tradition due to its benefits to health, ease of preparation and delectable taste, and one of these traditional drinks is licorice which is linked to the fasters' cultural heritage.
Licorice or liquorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra is an herbaceous perennial plant which grows in Mediterranean countries from Anatolia to Spain. The plants grow to 50-120 cm and have bluish purple flowers.
Licorice plants are widespread in Syria, particularly in al-Raqqa governorate. Syrian licorice is considered one of the best in the world and is referred to as Euphrates licorice.
In recent years, Syria produced around a thousand tons and imported a similar amount from Iraq. It is also cultivated in Turkey, France, Germany, Italy and China.
The Ancient Egyptians, the Chinese and the Babylonians used the licorice plant and drink as medicine to reduce fevers and cure coughs, throat sores, malaria, poisoning, respiratory problems, kidney conditions and skin conditions, in addition to expelling phlegm. Researchers in America are experimenting with using licorice in HIV and AIDS drugs.
The licorice is used to cure coughs and expel phlegm. It also helps cure stomach and intestinal ulcers, reduces stomach acidity and protects the stomach's mucus layer. It is also used as a mild laxative, diuretic, appetite enhance and digestive, in addition to boosting the immune system and sweetening the bitter taste of some medical compounds.
Other medical uses include protection against cold and reducing rheumatoid and arthritis pain. It also reduces the effect of menopause and produces a material that prevents the oxidation of cells.
Despite its general benefits as an overall physical stimulant that soothes coughs, helps in kidney diseases and repairs liver damage, doctors say that people with high or low blood pressure, obesity or pregnancy-related conditions should avoid licorice/
The licorice roots are chopped into sticks, which can be chewed as a mouth cleanser and can also used to help quit smoking. They are also ground for home use and preparing drinks.
Concentrated licorice extract is used in food industries such as confectionaries, ice cream, chewing gum, chocolate, cosmetics, toothpaste, and fire extinguisher foam, in addition to using it as a condiment.
The licorice drink is produced by moistening the roots until they turn from yellow to reddish brown as they ferment. Afterwards, they are wrapped in cloth and soaked slowly with water. The water is then filterer for half an hour. This process requires twenty liters of water for each kilogram of licorice.
The licorice drink vendor walks around old marketplaces and allies, wearing his traditional outfit and carrying the drink in a container on his back.
© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2010
