Nostalgic Candy - A Traditional Old Fashioned American Candy Maintains Its Popularity

In Atlantic City, New Jersey, it's often packaged in collectible beach themed or Atlantic City memorabilia containers. Salt Water Taffy remains a popular treat and is often purchased as a gift or souvenir from that location. Otherwise, sources for this candy range from exclusive high-end boutiques to buy-it-by-the-pound grocery store bulk product departments. Its popularity can be based primarily on one measurement never overlooked by consumers of edible products - it tastes good!

The fable surrounding the name "Salt Water Taffy" is that it originated in 1883 after a northeaster wind caused a flood in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The entire stock of David Bradley's taffy candy was soaked, seemingly ruining it. Joseph Fralinger, who was manning the shop, was prompted to call the candy "Salt Water Taffy" after several customers ordered it using that (and similar) names. He then packaged the candy and sold it as a souvenir of the flood. This fable, a classic "make lemonade out of lemons" story caught on fast and probably made taffy even more popular.

Frahlingers remains the oldest of Atlantic City's original businesses on the Boardwalk, still selling a large variety of saltwater taffy. Due to the popularity of the candy (and especially its name) the Trademark for "Salt Water Taffy" was brought under legal dispute several times throughout history. This sweet treat remains highly popular to this day, and the name represents the sweet result of American resourcefulness, creativity, and capitalism.

"Taffy Pulls" were the social event participated in by family, friends, and neighbors; and documented in much literature and history of the late 1800's. After making the simple recipe, the taffy was hung on a hook then stretched to a length of 5-6 feet long. It was then looped back to the hook again and the strands were folded together. This "aerated" the mixture, which made the candy softer. Of course, this pulling process was eventually mechanized. A man named Enoch James is credited with being the first to innovate the equipment and process that would make taffy pulling faster, more efficient, and suitable for commercial use. However, it's reported that old fashioned taffy pulls do continue to be held at parties in the Country of Wales.

The recipe for taffy is quite simple. It includes the common ingredients corn syrup, butter, sugar, corn starch, water, and salt. After the desired food coloring and flavoring is added the mixture is boiled to the "soft crack" stage at a temperature of 270 degrees Fahrenheit. Today, of course, Salt Water Taffy is primarily produced in a large scale environment using modern manufacturing processes. Salt Water Taffy, which actually contains no sea water whatsoever, is available in colors and flavors to coordinate with most any occasion, holiday, or theme. Many varieties contain a soft filling in the middle of each candy with a special flavor and color. Though the candy is sold everywhere, Atlantic City is still considered its traditional "home" of origin in the United States. In Great Britain, the name 'Taffy' is often used interchangeably with 'Toffee'.

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Posted in: American,Candy,Fashioned,Maintains,Nostalgic,Popularity,Traditional

Old Fashioned Peppermint Candy, Its History And Tradition - Long Reminiscent of Christmas

You wouldn't be expected to know that as far back in history 10,000 years ago, Peppermint was thought of as more of a medication, than a confection with traditional ties to the Christmas season.

This aromatic plant, properly named "menthe piperita", was first described by Carolus Linnalus in 1753. He had collected specimens of the plant in England, and defined it as a species. But, it was later classified as a hybrid instead, a cross between the watermint and spearmint. It grows from two to 3 feet tall, and produces tiny purple flowers, which are commonly harvested by honey bees. Delicious peppermint honey is popular result of that harvest.

Peppermint is indigenous of Europe, but is now cultivated all over the world. It flowers from mid to late summer. The leaves and flowering tops are collected as soon as the flowers begin to open and can be dried. Though peppermint can grow almost anywhere, with few exceptions, it prefers moist habitats, such as drainage ditches and creek sides. Since it is a hybrid, it's usually sterile, meaning that it produces no seeds. In the Great Lakes region of the United States it thrives un-encouraged, and is actually considered to be invasive. It's considered better grown as a cultivated crop.

Peppermint has a long tradition as of being used for medicinal use. Its aroma is considered to enhance memory; applying it to the forehead and temples often reduces headache pain, and it soothes coughs and sore throats, not to mention, indigestion. It is believed that peppermint may have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral qualities. It's used as aromatherapy (in the form of essential peppermint oil); said to have a calming effect, and is often added to soaps and shampoos. And, it's used to treat skin irritations, anxiety associated with depression, nausea, and other related conditions. Plus, it's somewhat of a muscle relaxant.

You're, of course, accustomed to the clean fresh menthol aroma and refreshing taste of peppermint often added to toothpaste, chewing gum, and tea. And, have no doubt experienced relief from cold symptoms as a result of using chest rubs and other over-the-counter treatments containing peppermint. It works as an expectorant for coughs, due to the cool 'Menthol' ingredient, too.

But, peppermint is probably best known as the popular flavor in a variety of candies; from the well known candy cane to chocolate covered peppermint cream patties. Popsies Popcorn and Sweets shop stocks multiple varieties of peppermint candies, some dating back many years. If you're nearby, a visit to this nostalgic and cozy candy shop will transport you back to a time when life was simpler - and easier to comprehend. Memories will be stirred, and emotions relived... and they'll be put in their proper perspective. There's something undefined, but magical, about this little candy shop that has a positive affect upon the thoughts and mood of every visitor, at least to some degree. And on top of that, serving sweets from Popsies identifies you as a person who doesn't settle when it comes to the quality and uniqueness of candy served to your guests and family members.

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Posted in: Candy,Christmas,Fashioned,history,Peppermint,Reminiscent,Tradition