Among
France's many licorice-based candies,
Zan is a standout.
This
hard square tablet was first manufactured
in 1855 in Uzès, not far from
the Camargue where licorice plants
abounded (it is the root that is carefully
dried and used in candies, tisanes,
and beverages).
This
licorice candy is quite strong and
is available in two flavors: anis
and mint.
Also
available is a pocket-sized dispenser
of Zan pellets,
"Maman, z'en veux! Donne moi
z'en!" This childish pronunication
("Mommy, I want some! Give me
some!"), overheard by candy-maker
Paul Aubrespy in a Parisian restaurant,
inspired the name "Zan."