Candy, a delightful treat enjoyed by many, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. From its humble beginnings to the diverse array of sweets we enjoy today, the story of candy is as varied and colorful as the treats themselves.
The concept of candy can be traced back to the 19th century, when basic sweets began to emerge. These early confections likely evolved from bread sweetened with honey, a natural sweetener that was both accessible and appealing. The sweetness provided a welcome contrast to the everyday loaf of bread, making it a special treat.
During the 19th century, sugar was a luxury item, primarily accessible to the wealthy. Imported sugar was expensive, and the lower classes often relied on natural sweeteners like honey or sweet plants such as sweet cicely. This perennial herb, traditionally grown near kitchen doors, was used to sweeten tart fruits.
The wealthy indulged in a variety of sweet treats, including jellies, dried fruits, and thin pancakes made from batter. Gingerbread, sugared almonds, marzipan, and edible sculptures known as subtleties were also popular. Macaroons, introduced in the 18th century, and barley sugar, a precursor to modern sweets, were among the early confections enjoyed by the affluent.
Ice cream, another treat enjoyed by the gentry, required the construction of ice pits. These pits, lined with bricks and straw, were used to store ice harvested from lakes during the winter. One well-preserved ice pit can be found at the National Trust property of Scotney Castle in Kent.
The French invention of nougat brought new possibilities to the world of confectionery. Nougat, which can be broken into smaller pieces, inspired the creation of smaller delicacies that resemble the sweets we know today. In Turin, Italy, caramel was invented before the 18th century. This brownish, sweet treat is derived from sugar and has a pleasant toasted flavor.
Sugar plums, made by boiling sugar, were popular among the wealthy. The process of boiling sugar involves distinct stages of crystallization, with the early stages producing softer crystals used to make fondant.
The 1851 Great Exhibition in London showcased a new delicacy: boiled sweets. This innovation was made possible by recent discoveries in Germany, where a new method of extracting sugar from sugar beets had been developed. Boiled sweets, made by cooking sugar for a longer period, impressed visitors from across Europe and led to widespread manufacturing of these treats.
In 1847, Oliver Chase invented a machine to cut lozenge shapes from sheets of wafer confection. His brother Daniel later developed a machine to press letters and words onto the lozenges, leading to the creation of "Sweethearts." These candies featured witty sayings related to matrimony and became known as "Love Hearts" in the UK. Today, the company produces approximately 100,000 pounds of Love Hearts per day from late February through mid-January, with the entire production sold out in about six weeks.
Charlie Thompson, a sales representative, accidentally mixed up a tray of sweets, leading to the creation of Liquorice Allsorts. These sweets, made of liquorice, sugar, coconut, aniseed jelly, fruit flavorings, and gelatin, were first produced in Sheffield by Bassett & Co Ltd. Today, Liquorice Allsorts are popular in Britain, continental Europe, North America, and South Africa, where they are produced by the confectionery giant Beacon.
Bertie Bassett, the company's mascot, was created by John McEwan in 1929. Made from the sweets themselves, Bertie became a beloved character and even "married" Betty, another character made of sweets, in a 2009 publicity stunt.
The history of candy is a testament to human creativity and the enduring appeal of sweetness. From early honey-sweetened bread to the diverse array of confections available today, candy has evolved significantly over the centuries. Whether it's the invention of nougat, the rise of boiled sweets, or the creation of iconic treats like Love Hearts and Liquorice Allsorts, the journey of candy is as delightful as the treats themselves.
The evolution of candy is a sweet journey through time, reflecting changes in technology, culture, and tastes. As we continue to enjoy these delightful treats, it's fascinating to consider their rich history and the innovations that have shaped them.
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