Liquorice (or licorice) is derived from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, a legume native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. It's well known for its use in candy, as well as in various traditional medicines. The root itself is long, brown, and fibrous, and it contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is up to 50 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar).
The scent profile of liquorice is quite unique and distinctive. It has deep, warm, and sweet aromatic notes, with a complex earthy undertone. Some people also detect hints of anise and fennel from its aroma, contributing to its spicy-sweet fragrance. This is due to the presence of anethole, a compound shared with anise and fennel, which gives liquorice its slightly spicy and herbal scent nuances.
It's these aromatic properties that make liquorice a popular choice not only in culinary applications but also in the fragrance and cosmetic industries. The scent of liquorice can also evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity, largely because it's been used in various forms of traditional confectionery and medicine around the world.