National Hard Candy Day
National Hard Candy Day is observed every year on December 19 and this delightful day is dedicated to the colorful and sweet world of hard candies.
This day gives candy lovers across the globe a chance to celebrate and indulge in their beloved sugar treats filled with nostalgia without any guilt.
Although the precise origins of the day are not clearly documented, it is thought to have been established to celebrate the sweet and nostalgic treat that people have enjoyed for centuries.
The Production of Hard Candy
Hard candy is typically made by boiling sugar and water at a high temperature until it reaches the “hard crack” stage. This process creates a transparent, glossy candy that can be flavored and colored. Common flavors include classic choices like peppermint, cherry, and lemon, as well as more unique options like sour apple or cinnamon.
The Exciting History of Hard Candies
Hard candy is also known as boiled sweets, and it has been enjoyed for thousands of years.
The ancient Egyptians made hard candy by boiling honey with fruit juices, creating a sweet treat that could be stored for a long time, making them the first among many to produce hard candy.
Hard candy in Japan goes back to around 8th century Nara Period, where sweet flavor was believed to bring happiness.
Modern hard candies were first made in the 16th century with the production of sugar-based syrups.
The candy industry showed excellent growth by the 16th century and manufacturers started experimenting with new flavors and ingredients.
Some Popular Types Of Hard Candy
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Lollipops: These fun treats are hard candy on a stick, available in fruity and creamy flavors, often in whimsical shapes.
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Peppermint Candies: Popular during the holidays, these refreshing minty candies are a classic choice for winter celebrations.
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Jawbreakers: Known for their size and layered flavors, jawbreakers provide a fun challenge and are loved by kids.
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Butterscotch Discs: These smooth, creamy candies evoke nostalgia and are a timeless favorite often found in grandma's candy dish.
Observing National Hard Candy Day
You can observe National Hard Candy Day in different ways like sampling candies and trying new variants to discover new favorites.
Try making hard candy at home with different flavors and colors, wrap them up and gift them to family and friends.
