Candy, known also as sweets and confectionery, has a long history as a familiar food treat that is available in many varieties. Candy varieties are influenced by the size of the sugar crystals, aeration, sugar concentrations, colour and the types of sugar used.[1]
Simple sugar or sucrose is turned into candy by dissolving it in water, concentrating this solution through cooking and allowing the mass either to form a mutable solid or to recrystallize.[1] Maple sugar candy has been made in this way for thousands of years, with concentration taking place from both freezing and heating.[2]
Other sugars, sugar substitutes, and corn syrup are also used. Jelly candies, such as gumdrops and gummies, use stabilizers including starch, pectin or gelatin.[1] Another type of candy is cotton candy, which is made from spun sugar.
In their Thanksgiving Address, Native peoples of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy give special thanks to the Sugar Maple tree as the leader of all trees "to recognize its gift of sugar when the people need it most".
Africa
South Africa
Asia
Europe
Typically, European candies are toffees, nougats and rock candies.
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Middle East
Turkish delight and rock candy are commonly found in Middle East.
Iran
Israel
Turkey
North America
Canada
Mexico
United States
South America
Panelas, cocadas and natillas are common sweets in South and Central America.
Argentina
Brazil
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Oceania
Australia
New Zealand
See also
- Candy apple
- Confectionery
- List of bean-to-bar chocolate manufacturers
- List of breath mints
- List of chewing gum brands
- List of chocolate bar brands
- List of confectionery brands
- List of desserts
- List of top-selling candy brands
- Piñata
- Traditional candies in Hong Kong
External links
References
- Candy Product Sugar Confectionery^
- Robin Wall Kimmerer. Braiding Sweetgrass Milkweed Editions^
- Independent, The (London), Aug 7, 1997 by Nigel Cope^