FROM THE KOOKABURRA LICORICE FOLKS:

It goes back to earliest recorded history, and possibly beyond! Obviously people have been enjoying licorice in one form or another for quite some time now. It was known and grown in the region of Mesopotamia, which is regarded as the cradle of civilization. Archaeologists discovered stone tablets near Baghdad describing how it was used to treat their Royal masters seven centuries BC.
Licorice root was found in the recently opened tomb of King Tut. Roman Soldiers used it as a thirst quencher. Manuscripts dating from 360 AD of Buddhist origin talk of licorice helping eye ailments, skin diseases, coughs and loss of hair. Indeed, licorice's story is interwoven with that of mankind's. In the Middle Ages it became very popular as a sweet medicine and general pick-me-up. Over time it has also been used as a beautifying agent, an aphrodisiac and an elixir of life. We make no claims as such, however the many stories over the thousands of years seem to give confirmation of the truth. The plant, a perennial herb is sourced primarily from China, Turkey, Afghanistan and Russia. It is cultivated, dried, cleaned, processed and then blended to achieve its special flavoring characteristics. Today Kookaburra continues licorice's story, our particular style being internationally famous for its soft eating and deliciously moreish characteristics. One taste and you will understand why licorice has been popular.