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'''Barley sugar''' is a traditional variety of [[hard candy]] or [[boiled sweet]] that is made from [[sugar]], [[water]], and an extract of [[barley]]. It is often formed into sticks, lozenges or clear, yellowish disks. The candy is known for its characteristic barley flavor, which is derived from the process of boiling down barley grains in water and then adding sugar to the resulting extract.
== Barley Sugar ==
 
[[File:Barley_Sugar_(4766025411).jpg|thumb|right|Traditional barley sugar sticks]]
 
'''Barley sugar''' is a traditional type of [[hard candy]] that is made by boiling [[sugar]] and [[water]] with [[barley]] to create a sweet, amber-colored confection. It is known for its smooth texture and distinctive flavor, which is slightly different from other sugar candies due to the inclusion of barley.


== History ==
== History ==


The origins of barley sugar are believed to date back to the 17th century in [[England]]. It was originally used as a soothing agent for sore throats and upset stomachs. The candy was traditionally made by boiling down barley in water to extract the grain's natural sugars and then adding sugar. This mixture was then boiled until it reached the hard crack stage and poured into molds to harden.
Barley sugar has a long history, dating back to the 17th century. It was originally made by boiling down barley water and sugar, which was then poured into molds to set. This confection was popular in [[Europe]], particularly in [[France]] and [[England]], where it was often used as a remedy for sore throats and other minor ailments.
 
== Preparation ==
 
The traditional method of making barley sugar involves dissolving sugar in water and adding barley to the mixture. The solution is then boiled until it reaches the desired consistency and color. Once the mixture is ready, it is poured into molds or onto a flat surface to cool and harden.
 
[[File:Preparing_Candy_Molds_CHF-First-Friday-December-2012-010.JPG|thumb|left|Preparing candy molds for barley sugar]]


== Production ==
== Variations ==


The production of barley sugar involves boiling barley grains in water to extract their natural sugars. This extract is then combined with sugar and boiled until it reaches the hard crack stage, which is between 149 to 154 degrees Celsius. The mixture is then poured into molds and allowed to harden. The resulting candy has a clear, yellowish color and a characteristic barley flavor.
There are several variations of barley sugar, including flavored versions that incorporate [[lemon]], [[orange]], or other fruit essences. Some modern recipes may omit the barley altogether, using only sugar and flavorings to achieve a similar taste and texture.


== Uses ==
== Uses ==


Barley sugar is often consumed as a hard candy. It can also be used in baking and confectionery, as a sweetener in hot drinks, or as a flavoring in other foods. In addition, it has been used medicinally as a soothing agent for sore throats and upset stomachs.
Barley sugar is often enjoyed as a sweet treat on its own, but it can also be used in [[baking]] and [[desserts]]. It is sometimes used to decorate cakes and pastries, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
 
== Barley Sugar Columns ==
 
[[File:Lodge_at_the_gates_of_Hall_Barn,_porch_with_'barley_sugar'_columns-geograph-3448897-by-Stefan-Czapski.jpg|thumb|right|Barley sugar columns at Hall Barn]]
 
The term "barley sugar" is also used to describe a type of twisted architectural column that resembles the twisted shape of barley sugar sticks. These columns are often found in [[Baroque]] and [[Rococo]] architecture.


== See also ==
== Related Confections ==


* [[Candy making]]
[[File:Berlingot-bonbon.jpg|thumb|left|Berlingot, a related confection]]
* [[List of candies]]
* [[Barley water]]
* [[Barley wine]]


== References ==
Barley sugar is related to other hard candies such as [[berlingot]], which is a similar type of candy that originated in [[France]]. Berlingots are often brightly colored and come in a variety of flavors.


<references />
== Related Pages ==


{{food-stub}}
* [[Candy]]
* [[Sugar]]
* [[Barley]]
* [[Confectionery]]


[[Category:Confectionery]]
[[Category:Candy]]
[[Category:Candy]]
[[Category:English cuisine]]
[[Category:Barley]]
[[Category:Traditional medicine]]
<gallery>
File:Barley_Sugar_(4766025411).jpg|Barley Sugar
File:Barley_sugar_travel_sweets.jpg|Barley sugar travel sweets
File:Lodge_at_the_gates_of_Hall_Barn,_porch_with_'barley_sugar'_columns-geograph-3448897-by-Stefan-Czapski.jpg|Lodge at the gates of Hall Barn, porch with 'barley sugar' columns
File:Berlingot-bonbon.jpg|Berlingot bonbon
File:Preparing_Candy_Molds_CHF-First-Friday-December-2012-010.jpg|Preparing Candy Molds
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 14:13, 21 February 2025

Barley Sugar[edit]

Traditional barley sugar sticks

Barley sugar is a traditional type of hard candy that is made by boiling sugar and water with barley to create a sweet, amber-colored confection. It is known for its smooth texture and distinctive flavor, which is slightly different from other sugar candies due to the inclusion of barley.

History[edit]

Barley sugar has a long history, dating back to the 17th century. It was originally made by boiling down barley water and sugar, which was then poured into molds to set. This confection was popular in Europe, particularly in France and England, where it was often used as a remedy for sore throats and other minor ailments.

Preparation[edit]

The traditional method of making barley sugar involves dissolving sugar in water and adding barley to the mixture. The solution is then boiled until it reaches the desired consistency and color. Once the mixture is ready, it is poured into molds or onto a flat surface to cool and harden.

Preparing candy molds for barley sugar

Variations[edit]

There are several variations of barley sugar, including flavored versions that incorporate lemon, orange, or other fruit essences. Some modern recipes may omit the barley altogether, using only sugar and flavorings to achieve a similar taste and texture.

Uses[edit]

Barley sugar is often enjoyed as a sweet treat on its own, but it can also be used in baking and desserts. It is sometimes used to decorate cakes and pastries, adding both flavor and visual appeal.

Barley Sugar Columns[edit]

Barley sugar columns at Hall Barn

The term "barley sugar" is also used to describe a type of twisted architectural column that resembles the twisted shape of barley sugar sticks. These columns are often found in Baroque and Rococo architecture.

Related Confections[edit]

Berlingot, a related confection

Barley sugar is related to other hard candies such as berlingot, which is a similar type of candy that originated in France. Berlingots are often brightly colored and come in a variety of flavors.

Related Pages[edit]