If you've never been to a lakrits provning, you're honestly missing out on one of the most surprisingly intense flavor adventures you can have. Most people think they know licorice—it's either those sweet little twists from the gas station or that salty stuff that makes your face scrunch up—but there is so much more to it than that. A proper tasting session takes you way beyond the candy aisle and into the world of artisanal roots, complex spices, and pairings that will probably blow your mind.
It's one of those things that sounds a bit niche until you actually sit down and do it. You realize pretty quickly that licorice isn't just a flavor; it's a whole spectrum. When you attend a lakrits provning, you aren't just eating sweets for an hour. You're exploring the history of a medicinal root that's been around for thousands of years, and you're seeing how modern chefs and confectioners are turning it into something genuinely high-end.
What actually happens during the session?
Usually, when you show up, the vibe is pretty relaxed. It's not like a stiff wine tasting where everyone is whispering and looking serious. It's usually a bit louder, a bit more social, and definitely more fun. You'll typically have a plate in front of you with a variety of samples ranging from raw licorice root to the finished, gourmet products.
A good host will start by explaining where the stuff comes from. Did you know licorice is actually a legume? It's a root that grows mostly in southern Europe and Asia. In its raw form, it's incredibly sweet—way sweeter than sugar—but it has this earthy, woody undertone that balances everything out. During the lakrits provning, you'll probably get to chew on a piece of the actual root. It's a bit weird at first, like chewing on a twig, but then the flavor hits you, and it's nothing like the artificial stuff.
From there, you move on to the different types of processed licorice. You'll taste the differences between "red" licorice (which usually isn't licorice at all, let's be real), sweet black licorice, and the legendary salty stuff. The host will walk you through how to properly taste it—letting it melt on your tongue rather than just chomping it down. It's all about noticing the texture, the initial hit of flavor, and that long, lingering aftertaste that licorice is famous for.
The salt factor and why we love it
We can't talk about a lakrits provning without mentioning salmiak. For the uninitiated, salmiak is ammonium chloride, and it's what gives "salty licorice" its distinctive, tongue-numbing kick. It's a bit of an acquired taste, especially if you didn't grow up in the Nordics or the Netherlands, but once you get it, you get it.
In a tasting session, you'll often try different levels of saltiness. Some are just a light dusting on the outside of a sweet core, while others are "triple salted" and feel like a tiny explosion in your mouth. It's fascinating to see people's reactions. Some people go straight for the strongest stuff, while others need a glass of water immediately. But that's the fun of it—it's a physical experience. You feel the salt on the sides of your tongue and that weirdly cooling sensation in your throat. It's unlike any other snack.
Finding the perfect drink to go with it
One of the coolest parts of a lakrits provning is the pairing section. This is where things get really interesting. You might not think that licorice goes with much besides water, but it actually pairs beautifully with a lot of different drinks.
- Coffee: This is a classic. The bitterness of a dark roast coffee cuts through the sweetness of the licorice perfectly.
- Beer: Believe it or not, a heavy Stout or a Porter is amazing with salty licorice. The chocolatey, roasted notes of the beer dance really well with the earthy root flavors.
- Wine: This is the tricky one. Usually, you'd go for a bold red with a bit of spice, like a Syrah. It's a bit of a "love it or hate it" situation, but it's worth trying just for the experiment.
- Tea: A nice Earl Grey or a smoky Lapsang Souchong can bring out totally different notes in a piece of soft, sweet licorice.
The host will usually guide you through these pairings, showing you how the flavor of the licorice changes depending on what you're sipping. Sometimes the drink makes the licorice sweeter, and sometimes it makes the herbal notes pop. It's like a science experiment, but you get to eat the results.
Hosting your own setup at home
If you can't find a professional lakrits provning nearby, you can totally do one yourself. It's a great idea for a dinner party or just a weird Friday night with friends. All you need to do is head to a specialty shop and grab five or six different types of licorice.
Try to get a mix: 1. Raw licorice root (for the "educational" start). 2. Pure licorice granules (the really intense stuff). 3. Soft, sweet Finnish or Italian licorice. 4. Chocolate-coated licorice (which is a huge trend right now). 5. A very salty salmiak variety.
Set them out on a board from mildest to strongest. If you really want to be fancy, print out some little sheets where people can rate them on "chewiness," "intensity," and "saltiness." It sounds a bit nerdy, but it's a huge conversation starter. People have very strong opinions about licorice, and a DIY lakrits provning is the perfect way to start some friendly arguments about which brand is actually the best.
Why it's the best gift for the person who has everything
We all have that one friend who is impossible to buy for. They already have the gadgets, they've been to all the restaurants, and they don't want more "stuff." A voucher for a lakrits provning is usually a winner. It's an experience, it's memorable, and even if they aren't a die-hard licorice fan, they'll usually enjoy the storytelling and the weird flavor combinations.
It's also just a nice way to spend an afternoon. You're learning something new, supporting artisanal producers, and treating your taste buds to something they don't get every day. Plus, you usually get to buy your favorites at the end of the session, so you go home with a bag of the good stuff.
Closing thoughts on the experience
At the end of the day, a lakrits provning is about more than just candy. It's about slowing down and actually tasting what you're eating. We spend so much of our lives just mindlessly snacking while we watch TV or work. Taking an hour to focus on the nuances of a single flavor is surprisingly meditative.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of the salty "black gold" or someone who usually avoids the licorice bin at the store, give a tasting a try. You might find that you don't actually hate licorice—you just haven't tried the right kind yet. There's a whole world of smoky, sweet, salty, and spicy treats out there just waiting to be discovered. So, grab a glass of water, keep an open mind, and get ready for a flavor profile that's way more complex than you ever gave it credit for.