Eating in China
Dried licorice root pieces and pale yellow round and oblique slices on a plate.

Dried licorice root

甘草Gān cǎo

Gan cao is dried licorice root and rhizome with a distinctive sweet taste. Small amounts season some Chinese braising liquids, including versions of Chaoshan braised goose.

Type
Spices

A CLOSER LOOK

How to recognize it

Woody root pieces or round to oval slices, with brown ridged skin and a pale yellow, fibrous cut face showing radiating lines.

In the kitchen

Simmer with other spices to flavor a braising liquid, often contained in a spice bag. The woody pieces are removed rather than served as a vegetable.

Species, cut and processing vary. This entry describes plain dried licorice, not honey-processed licorice or licorice candy. Buy it labeled for culinary use; appearance alone does not confirm identity.

Ask about this ingredient

这道菜里有甘草吗?

Does this dish contain Dried licorice root?

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