Candy: Difference between revisions

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'''Candy''', also known as '''sweets''' or '''lollies''', is a confection that features sugar as a principal ingredient. The category, called ''sugar confectionery'', encompasses any sweet confection, including [[chocolate]], chewing gum, and sugar candy. Vegetables, fruit, or nuts which have been glazed and coated with sugar are said to be candied.
{{short description|Sweet confectionery product}}
{{other uses}}
 
'''Candy''', also known as '''sweets''' or '''confectionery''', is a type of food that is characterized by its sweet taste and is typically made from sugar or other sweeteners. Candy comes in a wide variety of forms, including hard candies, gummies, chocolates, and more. It is enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.


==History==
==History==
Candy dates back to the ancient Egyptians who combined fruits, nuts, and honey. The word "candy" comes from the Persian word for "cane sugar" (''qandi''). [[Sugar]] was first produced from sugarcane plants in northern India sometime after the first century AD. The technology for sugar extraction spread to the West by the Arab conquests. By the Middle Ages, sugar had become a popular sweetener in the European diet.
[[File:Japanese_confectionery_store_in_"The_Great_Buddha_Sweet_Shop"_from_Akizato_Rito's_Miyako_meisho_zue_(1787).jpg|thumb|left|A Japanese confectionery store from 1787]]
The history of candy dates back to ancient times when people would enjoy sweet treats made from honey and fruits. In ancient Egypt, honey was used to make candy by combining it with nuts and fruits. The art of candy-making evolved over the centuries, with significant contributions from various cultures.


==Types==
In the Middle Ages, sugar became more widely available in Europe, leading to the development of new types of candies. By the 18th century, candy-making had become a popular craft, with confectioners creating a wide range of sweets.
Candy is divided into various categories, including [[Chocolate|chocolate]], [[Hard candy|hard candies]], [[Gummies|gummies]], [[Caramels|caramels]], and [[Marshmallow|marshmallows]], among others.


===Chocolate===
==Types of Candy==
Chocolate is made from the cocoa bean. It comes in dark, milk, and white varieties, and is used in a multitude of candies, including bars and truffles.
Candy can be categorized into several types based on its ingredients and preparation methods.


===Hard Candies===
===Hard Candy===
Hard candies, or boiled sweets, are sugary treats that are cooked to a high temperature and then cooled to form a hard, glossy surface. Examples include lollipops and [[Candy cane|candy canes]].
[[File:HardCandy.jpg|thumb|right|Assorted hard candies]]
Hard candy is made by boiling sugar and water to a high temperature until it reaches the "hard crack" stage. It is then cooled and shaped into various forms. Examples include lollipops and candy canes.


===Gummies===
===Gummies===
Gummies are gelatin-based chewable sweets. They come in a variety of shapes, including bears, worms, and fruit shapes.
[[File:Gummy_bears.jpg|thumb|left|Gummy bears]]
Gummies are chewy candies made from gelatin, sugar, and flavorings. They come in various shapes and flavors, with gummy bears being one of the most popular varieties.
 
===Chocolates===
Chocolates are made from cocoa beans and can be combined with sugar, milk, and other ingredients to create a wide range of confections. They can be solid, filled, or coated with other ingredients.


===Caramels===
===Fudge===
Caramels are made by cooking sugar and milk or cream together until it thickens. They can be soft and chewy or formed into a harder, more brittle texture.
[[File:2018_05_Fudge_IMG_1913.JPG|thumb|right|Fudge]]
Fudge is a type of candy made by mixing sugar, butter, and milk, heating it to a soft-ball stage, and then beating it while it cools to create a smooth, creamy texture.


===Marshmallows===
===Traditional and Regional Varieties===
Marshmallows are soft, fluffy sweets made from sugar, water, and gelatin that is whipped to a spongy consistency.
[[File:Chikki_assortment.jpg|thumb|left|Chikki, a traditional Indian candy]]
Many cultures have their own traditional candies. For example, ''chikki'' is a popular Indian sweet made from jaggery and nuts.


==Health Concerns==
==Candy in Popular Culture==
Consumption of large quantities of candy, especially those high in sugar and fats, can lead to health issues such as [[Tooth decay|tooth decay]], obesity, and [[Diabetes mellitus|diabetes]]. It is recommended to enjoy candy in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
[[File:Our_Mutual_Friend_by_Joseph_Keppler_1885_Puck_2017011.tif|thumb|right|Candy in 19th-century popular culture]]
Candy has played a significant role in popular culture, often associated with childhood and celebrations. It is a staple during holidays such as Halloween, where children go "trick-or-treating" to collect candies.


==Cultural Significance==
==Health Considerations==
Candy plays a significant role in various cultural traditions and holidays around the world, such as [[Halloween]], where children in many countries go [[Trick-or-treating|trick-or-treating]] for candy. Candy is also popular during festive seasons like [[Christmas]], [[Easter]], and [[Valentine's Day]].
While candy is enjoyed for its sweet taste, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high sugar content, which can lead to dental issues and other health concerns if consumed excessively.


==See Also==
==Related Pages==
* [[List of candies]]
* [[Chocolate]]
* [[Sugar substitute]]
* [[Confectionery]]
* [[Dessert]]
* [[Sugar]]
* [[Gummy candy]]


[[Category:Confectionery]]
[[Category:Confectionery]]
[[Category:Snack foods]]
[[Category:Candy]]
{{Nutrition-stub}}
<gallery>
File:Japanese_confectionery_store_in_"The_Great_Buddha_Sweet_Shop"_from_Akizato_Rito's_Miyako_meisho_zue_(1787).jpg|Candy
File:Our_Mutual_Friend_by_Joseph_Keppler_1885_Puck_2017011.tif|Candy
File:Kompeito_konpeito.JPG|Candy
File:HardCandy.jpg|Candy
File:Chikki_assortment.jpg|Candy
File:Gummy_bears.jpg|Candy
File:2018_05_Fudge_IMG_1913.JPG|Candy
File:Pantteri_Mix.jpg|Candy
File:Chocolat_Bonnat._100%.jpg|Candy
File:Bar_of_Guittard_chocolate.jpg|Candy
File:Milk_chocolate.jpg|Candy
File:WeisseLuftschokolade.jpg|Candy
</gallery>
<gallery>
File:Candy_in_Damascus.jpg|Candy
File:Japanese_confectionery_store_in_"The_Great_Buddha_Sweet_Shop"_from_Akizato_Rito's_Miyako_meisho_zue_(1787).jpg|Candy
File:Our_Mutual_Friend_by_Joseph_Keppler_1885_Puck_2017011.tif|Candy
File:Kompeito_konpeito.JPG|Candy
File:HardCandy.jpg|Candy
File:Chikki_assortment.jpg|Candy
File:Gummy_bears.jpg|Candy
File:2018_05_Fudge_IMG_1913.JPG|Candy
File:Pantteri_Mix.jpg|Candy
File:Chocolat_Bonnat._100%.jpg|Candy
File:Bar_of_Guittard_chocolate.jpg|Candy
File:Milk_chocolate.jpg|Candy
</gallery>
<gallery>
File:Candy in Damascus.jpg|Candy
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 11:29, 23 March 2025

Sweet confectionery product


Candy, also known as sweets or confectionery, is a type of food that is characterized by its sweet taste and is typically made from sugar or other sweeteners. Candy comes in a wide variety of forms, including hard candies, gummies, chocolates, and more. It is enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.

History[edit]

A Japanese confectionery store from 1787

The history of candy dates back to ancient times when people would enjoy sweet treats made from honey and fruits. In ancient Egypt, honey was used to make candy by combining it with nuts and fruits. The art of candy-making evolved over the centuries, with significant contributions from various cultures.

In the Middle Ages, sugar became more widely available in Europe, leading to the development of new types of candies. By the 18th century, candy-making had become a popular craft, with confectioners creating a wide range of sweets.

Types of Candy[edit]

Candy can be categorized into several types based on its ingredients and preparation methods.

Hard Candy[edit]

Assorted hard candies

Hard candy is made by boiling sugar and water to a high temperature until it reaches the "hard crack" stage. It is then cooled and shaped into various forms. Examples include lollipops and candy canes.

Gummies[edit]

Gummy bears

Gummies are chewy candies made from gelatin, sugar, and flavorings. They come in various shapes and flavors, with gummy bears being one of the most popular varieties.

Chocolates[edit]

Chocolates are made from cocoa beans and can be combined with sugar, milk, and other ingredients to create a wide range of confections. They can be solid, filled, or coated with other ingredients.

Fudge[edit]

Fudge

Fudge is a type of candy made by mixing sugar, butter, and milk, heating it to a soft-ball stage, and then beating it while it cools to create a smooth, creamy texture.

Traditional and Regional Varieties[edit]

Chikki, a traditional Indian candy

Many cultures have their own traditional candies. For example, chikki is a popular Indian sweet made from jaggery and nuts.

Candy in Popular Culture[edit]

Candy in 19th-century popular culture

Candy has played a significant role in popular culture, often associated with childhood and celebrations. It is a staple during holidays such as Halloween, where children go "trick-or-treating" to collect candies.

Health Considerations[edit]

While candy is enjoyed for its sweet taste, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its high sugar content, which can lead to dental issues and other health concerns if consumed excessively.

Related Pages[edit]