Plant Details

Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Gan Cao

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Glycyrrhiza uralensis.

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General Information

Scientific name: Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Also known as: Gan Cao

Plant Properties

Layer: Herbaceous
Size: Small
Height: 0.60 m
Width: 0.40 m
Growth Rate: None
Leaf: None

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 5-9
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Root, Sweetener
Edibility:
(3)
Medicinal:
(4)
Features:
Nitrogen fixer

Description

The root of the plant is often used as a natural sweetener for foods. To obtain the sweet flavor, the root is boiled in water to extract the sugars. This sweetener, which contains glycyrrhizin, is up to 50 times sweeter than sugar. It is used as a substitute for licorice in various products such as candy, medicines, and drinks.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/10
End of Harvest: 31/10