Liquorice Root (Mulethi)

Peeled & unpeeled root, cut & sifted, by glycyrrhizin assay

CBIL arranges supply of liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra, mulethi) from Indian and Central Asian origins in the forms the trade prices: unpeeled whole root and sticks, peeled root (paler, cleaner, the confectionery and retail grade), cut-and-sifted at 3–10 mm, and powder milled to 60–80 mesh. Glycyrrhizin is the entire commercial conversation — root typically assays 2–6% and extractors set a floor because it determines both their yield and the sweetening power of the finished extract. The single largest driver of assay is root diameter and age: thin, young root and the runner material that comes with it assay low, while mature root delivers the top of the band. Peeling removes the outer bark, which improves appearance and reduces ash but takes assay down slightly, so peeled root is a cosmetic choice, not a quality upgrade.

Buyers choose liquorice over the other roots in this family when they need glycyrrhizin's sweetening and masking function commercially — confectionery and liquorice-sweet manufacturers, beverage and herbal-tea blenders, tobacco-casing houses (a large and specific segment that buys on assay and is price-led), and botanical extractors producing glycyrrhizin and mono-ammonium glycyrrhizinate. Cut-and-sifted at 3–10 mm is the extraction workhorse because it loads and percolates predictably; powder suits tea and blend packing. Lots ship against SGS or Intertek certification of glycyrrhizin by HPLC, moisture, total and acid-insoluble ash, heavy metals to Codex limits, pesticide residue and micro, with steam-sterilised and ETO-free options for EU and US entry. Supply is structured in 20kg and 25kg PP bags and lined cartons — note root is bulky and cubes out before it weighs out, so container fill is worth planning — container-load, on FOB, CFR and CIF terms.