Barbara Theroux, age 9, of Burlington, Vt., for her question:

WHERE DOES LICORICE COME FROM?

Licorice is a popular flavoring material that comes from a perennial plant. The licorice plant provides an herb in its long, sweet roots.

Licorice is a native of southern Europe and parts of Asia. A little bit, including a wild licorice, is grown in the United States. Over 40 million pounds of dried licorice roots are imported into the United States every year.

Licorice flavoring is made by boiling the roots and evaporating the extract. Substances are added to licorice flavored candy to give it color. Black is the traditional color for such candy.

Licorice is also used to flavor some medicine, including cough drops, and gum.