What’s your favorite candy? Invention of Candy

The invention of candy dates back thousands of years and has evolved significantly over time. Here’s a brief overview:

Ancient Origins:

• Early Sweets: The earliest forms of candy were made from natural sweeteners like honey, which was used by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. They would coat fruits and nuts in honey to create a simple treat.
• Sugar Cane: Around 500 AD, sugar cane was first cultivated in India, and people began boiling sugarcane juice to make a crude form of sugar. This led to the creation of early candies like rock candy.

Middle Ages:

• Sugar Spreads: As the Arab world expanded, they introduced sugar-making techniques to Europe. Sugar was expensive and considered a luxury item, often used in medicinal preparations to sweeten bitter medicines.

Renaissance and Beyond:

• Sugar Becomes Common: By the 16th century, sugar plantations in the New World made sugar more accessible. This allowed for more experimentation, leading to the creation of various confections, such as marzipan, candied fruits, and boiled sweets.

Industrial Revolution:

• Mass Production: The 19th century saw major advancements in candy-making technology. Factories began mass-producing candies, making them affordable and widely available. Classic candies like toffee, caramel, and taffy emerged during this period.
• Chocolate Evolution: In 1847, Joseph Fry created the first solid chocolate bar by mixing cocoa powder with sugar and cocoa butter. This paved the way for modern chocolate candies.

20th Century and Modern Day:

• Iconic Brands: The 20th century saw the rise of iconic candy brands like Hershey’s, Mars, and Nestlé, introducing beloved treats like Snickers, M&M’s, and Reese’s.
• Innovation and Variety: Today, candy comes in countless forms, from gummies and hard candies to chocolates and sour treats, with ongoing innovations in flavors and textures.

Candy has come a long way from its humble beginnings, evolving from simple honey-coated nuts to the wide variety of confections we enjoy today!

It is not my favourite,

Jaswanth original