We had a feeling you’ve been dying to know more about licorice, so we’ve pulled together some fun facts. The licorice plant, a perennial herb, belongs to the pea family. There are 20 different species of the plant that grow on five continents. The sweet substance, glycyrrhizin, in licorice root is fifty times sweeter than sugar. And, finally, Trader Joe’s now sells Soft Black Licorice Twists! The perfect licorice is hard to come by—it should be soft yet chewy, and made with real licorice root. Thanks to a small, family-owned business in New Zealand, this is exactly that. Our Black Licorice Twists are made with molasses, licorice root extract, and natural flavor from aniseed oil. The combination of both licorice extract and anise create the decidedly strong, ideal black licorice flavor—simultaneously sweet and herbal. To top it off, our licorice supplier developed the perfect method of cooking and cooling licorice, so the pieces are soft and stay soft without the use of preservatives. Yet another fun fact about Soft Black Licorice Twists: they’re delicious at any time and in any place! Bring a bag to the next movie you see or toss it in your work bag for a mid-day pick-me-up. Our best suggestion, though: snack on a handful any time you please!