Candy has been around for a long time and is celebrated annually on 4 November, also known as National Candy Day.
Candies are available in numerous colours, shapes, sizes and varieties. The term ‘candy’ is used to describe a broad category including candy bars, chocolates, licorice, sour candies, salty candies, hard candies, toffees, gumdrops, marshmallows and much more. The English word ‘candy’ was used for the first time in the late 13th century and it came from the French sucre candi which in turn was derived from the Persian word Qandi or Qand, the word for cane sugar.
Before sugar was readily available, honey was used to make candy by coating fruits and flowers to preserve them for the creating of candy. Candy is still served in this form today, but it is now typically used as a garnish.
Candy was originally a form of medicine made from a combination of spices and sugar to calm the digestive system or cool a sore throat. It appeared mainly on the tables of the rich.
The first candy that came to America from Britain and France in the 18th century was called Rock Candy and made of crystallised sugar. But, at that time, even the basic form of sugar was considered a luxury only available to the rich.
Since 1979, the world has been producing more sugar than can be sold, ensuring that it became cheap and attainable to all. The availability of sugar and the technological advances opened up the candy market and businesses underwent a drastic change. Candy was no longer only for the enjoyment of the rich, but for the pleasure of everyone, and penny candies – mainly targeting children – became very popular.
To celebrate today, visit your nearest supermarket or candy store and buy your favourite candies. Sit back, relax and enjoy some ‘me’ time.
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