Tasty treat or Devil’s Ichor?

Salty licorice is very much an acquired taste. It’s common in the Netherlands, the Nordic countries, and northern Germany. Outside of those regions, it’s hard to find people who like it. The salt in this form of licorice is ammonium chloride (“Salmiak salt”), and it gives the licorice a very astringent, almost cough medicine-like flavor. I think you have to grow up with it to really develop a preference for it.

Because the sweet treats in the house have tended to grow feet as of late (two teenagers with a sweet tooth in the house, you see), I ordered a case of these Dutch Zoute Drops to keep around as a sort of child-proof candy. When it arrived, I let the kids try some to see their reactions. Girl child spat hers out within two seconds, so it’s probably safe to say that it isn’t her thing. Boy child said it was kind of weird but not bad. 

There goes my plan. Oh well—I guess at least I know which kid stole it if it starts disappearing.