Deutsch: Süßigkeiten / Español: Dulce / Português: Doce / Français: Bonbon / Italiano: Caramella

Candy refers to a wide variety of sweet confections made primarily from sugar or other sweeteners. It encompasses a broad range of textures, flavors, and forms, from hard candies to soft gummies, and is enjoyed globally by people of all ages.

Description

Candy is a confectionery product that is typically sweetened with sugar or artificial sweeteners and comes in various forms including hard, chewy, and gummy textures. It can be flavored with natural or artificial flavorings and colored with dyes. Common types of candy include chocolates, lollipops, gummies, hard candies, marshmallows, and caramels.

Candy production dates back to ancient times when people first began sweetening fruits and nuts with honey. Modern candy manufacturing, however, began in the 19th century with the advent of industrialization and the widespread availability of refined sugar. Today, candy is produced in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors, often tailored to regional tastes and cultural traditions.

Special

In addition to their traditional forms, candies have special applications in celebratory contexts such as holidays, weddings, and festivals. For instance, candy canes are iconic during Christmas, while heart-shaped candies are popular on Valentine's Day.

Application Areas

Candy is utilized in various contexts within the food industry:

• Retail: Sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty candy shops.
• Confectionery Art: Used by chocolatiers and pastry chefs to create intricate designs and decorations.
• Gifting: Commonly packaged and given as gifts for special occasions.
• Baking and Cooking: Incorporated into desserts, baked goods, and as toppings for ice creams and cakes.
• Promotional Products: Custom-branded candies are often used in marketing campaigns and events.

Well-Known Examples

• Hershey's Chocolate: A popular brand of chocolate bars and confectionery.
• Haribo Gummies: Renowned for their gummy bears and other chewy candies.
• Skittles: Colorful, fruit-flavored candies with a chewy texture.
• M&M's: Small, round chocolates coated with a candy shell, available in various colors.

Treatment and Risks

While candy is a popular treat, it does come with certain risks:

• Dental Issues: High sugar content can lead to cavities and tooth decay.
• Health Concerns: Excessive consumption of candy can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues due to its high sugar and calorie content.
• Allergies: Some candies contain allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten, which can cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

Recipes

Homemade Hard Candy

Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon flavor extract (e.g., peppermint, lemon)
• Food coloring (optional)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Continue to cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 150°C (300°F) on a candy thermometer.
3. Remove from heat and add flavor extract and food coloring, if using.
4. Pour the mixture onto a greased baking sheet or silicone mat and let it cool slightly.
5. Once slightly cooled, score the candy with a knife to mark pieces.
6. When fully cooled, break into pieces and dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

Similar Terms

• Confectionery: A broader term that includes candy, chocolates, and other sweet treats.
• Toffee: A type of candy made by caramelizing sugar or molasses with butter.
• Fudge: A type of soft candy made from sugar, butter, and milk, often flavored with chocolate.

Articles with 'Candy' in the title

• Cotton Candy: Cotton Candy in the food context refers to a form of spun sugar. It is a popular confection that resembles a cotton ball in texture but is made entirely of sugar, with added colorings and flavorings
• Lavender Candy: Lavender Candy refers to French type of hard candy made with the essential oil of lavender flowers with no added artificial colors or flavorings. The French like to use flowers as flavorings in sweets and lwhen of their favorite flowers to . . .

Summary

Candy is a beloved confection enjoyed worldwide, offering a variety of flavors, textures, and forms. While it serves as a delightful treat and a key ingredient in many culinary creations, it should be consumed in moderation due to potential health risks. Candy continues to play a significant role in celebrations, gifts, and the culinary arts, making it a staple of enjoyment and creativity in the food industry.

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