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MEMORIES:
PHOTOS:
Licorice is a confection that you either love or hate. And for the lovers, there exists two distinct camps; red or black. While people occasionally cross over, there are those that see their side as tasteful and the other as crazy. But whether you fall into the anise-flavored black camp or the cherry/strawberry red camp, Twizzlers have been around for over 150 years, ready to satisfy your cravings.
While there are many forms of licorice, Twizzlers are notable for their shape and texture. consisting of hollow tubes of licorice with a diagonally-twirled ridge. The typical package consists of two rows of five connected pieces that are pulled apart and enjoyed. Every kid can tell you that if you bite off both ends, you’ll end up with a delightful candy straw, just waiting to have soda or some other beverage sucked through it. Twizzlers also have a distinctive waxy texture that is unique in the world of licorice.
Twizzlers were first produced by Y&S Candies, proud makers of confections since 1845. In 1902, they merged with two other manufacturers to become the American Licorice Company until 1968, when they reverted back to the Y&S name. In 1977, Hershey Foods bought Y&S, and continue to offer Twizzlers to an adoring public.
Twizzlers come in four flavors; black, cherry, strawberry, and chocolate. Other flavors have been offered over the years including grape, cherry cola, and rainbow. And for those who prefer their licorice in smaller pieces, little morsels know as Nibs or Bits are also available. A much thinner version of shoestring licorice called “Pull and Peel” was introduced in 1994. Bags of pre-separated Twizzlers are also available, although you are then deprived the fun of peeling them apart yourself, a subtle but enjoyable pleasure in this crazy world.
Luckily, those in the red and black licorice camps have always gotten along reasonably well. No wars have been fought, just exchanges of puzzled looks as to how someone could possibly enjoy that “other type” of licorice. Of course, if either flavor were ever discontinued or outlawed, all bets would be off. Let us hope that it never comes to that. Twizzlers – keepers of the peace for over a century.
