Candy Corn Was Invented In Which Year
When it comes to Halloween candy, one of the most iconic treats around is candy corn. This brightly-colored, triangular-shaped candy has been a staple of the holiday for decades, and it's beloved by both kids and adults alike. But have you ever wondered when this tasty treat was first invented?
The Origins of Candy Corn
The story of candy corn goes all the way back to the late 1800s. According to most sources, this colorful candy was first created by a man named George Renninger, who worked for the Wunderlee Candy Company in Philadelphia. Renninger reportedly came up with the idea for candy corn in the 1880s, and he spent years perfecting the recipe and creating a production process that could be used to make large quantities of the candy.
Candy corn quickly became popular, and it wasn't long before other candy companies started making their own versions of the treat. One of the most successful of these companies was the Goelitz Confectionery Company (now known as the Jelly Belly Candy Company), which began producing candy corn in the early 1900s.
How Candy Corn Is Made
So, how exactly is candy corn made? The process is actually quite complex, and it involves several different steps. Here's a quick overview of the candy corn-making process:
- Step 1: Mixing the Ingredients - Candy corn is made from a mixture of sugar, corn syrup, and other ingredients like marshmallow, fondant, and vanilla flavoring. These ingredients are combined in large kettles and heated to a high temperature.
- Step 2: Coloring the Candy - Once the candy mixture has been heated and mixed thoroughly, it's time to add the color. Candy corn is typically made in three different colors: yellow, orange, and white. These colors are added to the hot candy mixture, and the resulting mixture is divided into three different batches.
- Step 3: Shaping the Candy - The candy mixture is poured into molds in the shape of triangular kernels. The molds are filled with the colored candy mixture in layers, starting with the white candy at the bottom, followed by the orange candy in the middle, and the yellow candy on top.
- Step 4: Cooling and Packaging - Once the candy corn has been molded into shape, it's left to cool and harden. After that, it's packaged and distributed to stores all across the country.
The Popularity of Candy Corn
Today, candy corn is one of the most popular Halloween treats in the United States. In fact, according to the National Confectioners Association, more than 35 million pounds of candy corn are produced each year. That's enough candy to circle the moon four times!
Despite its popularity, candy corn is not without its critics. Some people find the candy too sweet or too waxy, while others simply don't like the taste. However, for many people, candy corn is an essential part of Halloween, and it's a beloved tradition that they look forward to every year.
Closing Thoughts
So there you have it - candy corn was invented in the late 1800s by a man named George Renninger, and it quickly became one of the most popular Halloween treats in the United States. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that candy corn is a beloved part of the holiday season, and it's sure to remain a Halloween staple for many years to come.