Candy-Making

Do you ever find yourself lost in the sweet, sugary goodness of candy, wondering how it's made? Well, have no fear, because this article is all about the fun and exciting world of candy-making! So kick back, relax, and get ready to learn something new!

So, whether you're a candy enthusiast or just curious about how it's made, this article is for you! Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth and learn something new about the art of candy-making.

History of Candy-making

Pulled taffy is a type of candy that we know today, but it has an interesting history that dates back to the 6th century. It was during this time that sugarcane was indigenous to South and Southeast Asia, and people in the region discovered a way to extract its juice. They kept this method a secret from the 4th to the 6th centuries. Later, the Persians learned this technique, and the Greeks followed suit.

In the early days, candy was made from honey until the Industrial Revolution. At this time, candy presses were introduced, making it easier for candies to be mass-produced. The pulled taffy we know today originated in the 1840s when it was first made in the United States.

The Art of Candy-Making

Pulled taffy is made by boiling sugar, corn syrup and water until it reaches a specific temperature. The mixture is then poured onto a greased surface and left to cool. Once it has cooled, it is stretched and pulled until it becomes light and fluffy. The result is a chewy, delicious candy that is enjoyed by people all over the world. 

The paragraph above provides a brief overview of the process of making taffies, with a focus on the steps involved in creating more complex variations of this candy. To start with, a simple globule of taffy is prepared using the method outlined in the earlier steps. This involves mixing sugar, corn syrup and water in a pot over medium heat and stirring the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency. Once the taffy is ready, it is placed on a greased surface to cool.

The next stage in making complex taffies involves shaping the taffy into the desired form. This can be done by slowly blowing air into the taffy using a straw or by pounding it with a mallet. The candy can be stretched, twisted, and manipulated in various ways to create intricate shapes and designs.

Once the taffy has been shaped, the various pieces can be fused using a blowtorch. This requires heating the surface of the taffy just enough to soften it, but not so much that it melts or burns. The pieces are then pressed together to form a cohesive whole.

Finally, details can be added to the surface of the taffy by scratching it with a toothpick. This allows for the creation of intricate patterns, designs, and textures on the candy's surface. With practice and skill, it is possible to create truly impressive and complex taffies using these techniques.

One such design on display is BT21's character Cooky done by Team Seika on YouTube.

Candy-making is a magical process that has been perfected over many years. It's a combination of science, creativity, and a whole lot of fun! With so many different types of candy out there, each with its unique flavours, textures, and colours, there's always something new and exciting to discover.