Discovering Calabrian liquorice: Calabria's Black Gold

Among the most precious and beloved products of Calabrian agri-food, the Liquorice of Calabria PDO takes us to the discovery a natural world, made of ancient processes and close ties with the territory.

Produced in all provinces, the Black Gold of Calabria finds its elective homeland in Rossano (Municipality of Corigliano-Rossano), in the province of Cosenza, where its roots are intertwined with those of an important family history and a dedicated museum.

Liquorice of Calabria PDO, uses and properties

The Liquorice of Calabria PDO is obtained from the Cordara variety of the Glychirrhiza Glabra (leguminous) species. Its harvesting takes place all year round, including spontaneous harvesting (provided that the natural liquorice is registered and is part of the PDO circuit).

The roots intended for marketing are subjected to drying in open, ventilated, and sunny places. The Liquorice of Calabria PDO comes in several types: fresh, dried and root extract. The first, emits an intense aroma and is pale yellow; the dried version is distinguished by its brighter color and slightly fruity flavor; the extract, on the other hand, is dark brown tending to black with a typical sour taste.

The product is available in various formats, from sticks to broken, through flakes and raw roots.

Liquorice is widespread in Calabria from coast to coast, thanks to the mild climate and slightly saline soil. In territories below 650 meters from the sea, the plant grows wild.

Known for millennia as a natural digestive and a remedy for raising pressure, liquorice combines its beneficial properties with uses in gastronomy and in the production of distillates.

Famous is also the liquorice liqueur, as well as ice cream and desserts. More recent is the use of liquorice in gourmet cuisine, as an elite ingredient.

Discovering Calabria through liquorice

The first liquorice factory in Calabria was founded in 1715 in the province of Cosenza, thanks to the Duke of Corigliano. In the same years, other companies also sprung up in the Sibaritide, including the best-known Amarelli in Rossano.

Our weekend exploring the Liquorice of Calabria PDO starts right here.