Sweet Fruit Candy: A Delicious Treat for All Occasions
Do you love sweet and chewy candies that burst with fruity flavors? If so, you are not alone. Sweet fruit candy is one of the most popular types of candy in the world, and for good reasons. They are colorful, tasty, and fun to eat. Whether you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, celebrate a special event, or make a thoughtful gift, sweet fruit candy is a great choice. In this article, you will learn more about what sweet fruit candy is, how to make it at home, and how to enjoy it in different ways.
sweet fruit candy
What is Sweet Fruit Candy?
Sweet fruit candy is a general term for any candy that is made with fruit juice, fruit puree, or fruit flavoring. They can have different shapes, sizes, textures, and colors, depending on the ingredients and methods used. Some common examples of sweet fruit candy are:
Gummies: These are soft and chewy candies that are made with gelatin, sugar, and fruit juice or flavoring. They can be shaped like bears, worms, rings, or other animals or objects.
Jellies: These are similar to gummies, but they are firmer and more translucent. They are made with pectin, sugar, and fruit juice or flavoring. They can be cut into cubes, diamonds, or other shapes.
Hard candies: These are hard and crunchy candies that are made with sugar, water, and fruit juice or flavoring. They can be round, oval, or twisted into sticks or drops.
Chews: These are soft and sticky candies that are made with sugar, corn syrup, and fruit juice or flavoring. They can be wrapped in wax paper or foil.
Lollipops: These are hard candies that are attached to a stick. They are made with sugar, water, and fruit juice or flavoring. They can be round, flat, or shaped like hearts, stars, or other designs.
The History of Fruit Candies
Fruit candies have a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. People have always enjoyed eating fruits for their sweetness and health benefits. However, fresh fruits were not always available or easy to preserve. Therefore, people came up with various ways to make fruits last longer and taste better. One of these ways was to make fruit candies.
The earliest form of fruit candy was probably candied fruit peel. This is made by boiling citrus peels in sugar syrup until they become soft and translucent. This method was used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans to make sweets and medicines. Later, in the Middle Ages, candied fruits became popular in Europe as a delicacy and a gift for royalty and nobility.
Another form of fruit candy was dried fruit. This is made by removing the water from fresh fruits using heat or air. This method was used by many cultures around the world to preserve fruits for later consumption. Dried fruits were often coated with sugar or honey to make them sweeter and more appealing.
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The modern form of fruit candy that we know today was developed in the 19th century with the invention of new technologies and ingredients. For example, gelatin was discovered in 1845 by boiling animal bones and skins. It was used to make gummy candies that were soft and elastic. Pectin was extracted from fruits in 1825 by boiling them with acid. It was used to make jelly candies that were firm and clear. Sugar was refined from cane or beet in large quantities and became cheaper and more accessible. It was used to make hard candies that were smooth and shiny.
The Types of Fruit Candies
Today, there are many different types of fruit candies available in the market, each with its own characteristics and flavors. Some of the most popular ones are:
Skittles: These are small, round, and colorful candies that have a hard shell and a chewy center. They come in various fruit flavors, such as strawberry, orange, lemon, grape, and green apple.
Starburst: These are square, soft, and juicy candies that are individually wrapped. They come in various fruit flavors, such as cherry, strawberry, orange, lemon, and watermelon.
Jolly Rancher: These are long, rectangular, and hard candies that are individually wrapped. They come in various fruit flavors, such as apple, grape, watermelon, blue raspberry, and cherry.
Fruit Roll-Ups: These are thin, flat, and flexible sheets of candy that are rolled up. They come in various fruit flavors, such as strawberry, cherry, grape, and tropical punch.
Fruit by the Foot: These are long, narrow, and chewy strips of candy that are rolled up. They come in various fruit flavors, such as berry tie-dye, rainbow punch, and strawberry.
How to Make Sweet Fruit Candy at Home
If you want to make your own sweet fruit candy at home, you will need some basic ingredients and equipment. You will also need some patience and creativity. Here are the steps to follow:
The Ingredients You Need
The ingredients you need will depend on the type of fruit candy you want to make. However, some common ingredients are:
Sugar: This is the main ingredient that provides sweetness and structure to the candy. You can use white granulated sugar or brown sugar for different results.
Corn syrup: This is a thick and sticky liquid that prevents the sugar from crystallizing and adds smoothness and gloss to the candy. You can use light or dark corn syrup for different results.
Fruit juice or puree: This is the ingredient that provides flavor and color to the candy. You can use any fresh or canned fruit juice or puree of your choice.
Gelatin or pectin: This is the ingredient that provides texture and shape to the candy. Gelatin is derived from animal collagen and makes the candy soft and elastic. Pectin is derived from plant cell walls and makes the candy firm and clear.
Citric acid or lemon juice: This is the ingredient that provides acidity and tartness to the candy. It also helps to preserve the color and flavor of the fruit.
Food coloring: This is an optional ingredient that enhances the color of the candy. You can use natural or artificial food coloring of your choice.
Flavoring: This is an optional ingredient that enhances the flavor of the candy. You can use natural or artificial flavoring of your choice.
The Steps to Follow
The steps to follow will depend on the type of fruit candy you want to make. However, some general steps are:
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with cooking spray.
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and fruit juice or puree. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Bring the mixture to a boil and cook without stirring until it reaches the desired temperature on a candy thermometer. For hard candies, it should be 300F (149C). For soft candies, it should be 240F (116C).
Remove from heat and stir in gelatin or pectin, citric acid or lemon juice, food coloring, and flavoring.
Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly with a spatula or spoon.
Let it cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator until it sets.
Cut into desired shapes with a knife or cookie cutter.
Wrap individually in wax paper or foil or store in an airtight container.
The Tips and Tricks for Success
Here are some tips and tricks for making sweet fruit candy at home:
Use a large saucepan with enough room for the mixture to bubble up without overflowing.
Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the mixture accurately.
Do not stir the mixture once it starts boiling as this can cause crystallization.
Work quickly once you remove the mixture from heat as it will start to harden rapidly.
Be careful when handling the hot mixture as it can cause burns.
Experiment with different fruits, colors, and flavors to create your own unique fruit candies.
Have fun and enjoy your homemade sweet fruit candy!
How to Enjoy Sweet Fruit Candy
Sweet fruit candy is not only delicious, but also versatile. You can enjoy it in many ways, such as:
The Benefits of Eating Fruit Candies
Eating fruit candies can have some benefits for your health and mood. For example:
Fruit candies can provide you with some vitamins and minerals from the fruits they are made with. For instance, citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which can boost your immune system and prevent scurvy.
Fruit candies can satisfy your sweet cravings and make you happy. Sugar can trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward.
Fruit candies can help you relieve stress and anxiety. Chewing or sucking on candies can reduce the levels of cortisol, a hormone that is linked to stress and anxiety.
Fruit candies can improve your concentration and memory. Sugar can provide glucose, which is the main source of energy for the brain. Glucose can enhance cognitive functions such as attention, learning, and memory.
The Best Ways to Store and Serve Fruit Candies
To keep your fruit candies fresh and tasty, you should store them properly and serve them appropriately. Here are some tips:
Store your fruit candies in an airtight container in a cool and dry place. Avoid exposing them to heat, moisture, or sunlight, as these can affect their texture, color, and flavor.
Wrap your fruit candies individually in wax paper or foil to prevent them from sticking together or absorbing odors from other foods.
Serve your fruit candies at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best texture and flavor. Avoid freezing them as this can make them hard and brittle.
Display your fruit candies in a clear glass jar or bowl to show off their colors and shapes. You can also use a candy dish or a platter for a more elegant presentation.
The Creative Ideas to Use Fruit Candies
Besides eating them as they are, you can also use your fruit candies in various creative ways to make other desserts or crafts. Here are some ideas:
Use your fruit candies to decorate cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or brownies. You can arrange them on top of the frosting or icing, or press them into the batter before baking.
Use your fruit candies to make candy necklaces, bracelets, or earrings. You can string them on a thin elastic cord or a metal wire, or glue them on a plastic base.
Use your fruit candies to make candy art. You can melt them in a microwave-safe bowl and pour them into silicone molds or cookie cutters. You can also use them to make mosaic patterns on a canvas or a cardboard.
Use your fruit candies to make candy slime. You can mix them with cornstarch and water in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them until they form a gooey substance. You can then knead it with your hands and play with it.
Conclusion
Sweet fruit candy is a delicious treat that you can enjoy in many ways. You can buy it from the store or make it at home with simple ingredients and steps. You can also use it to make other desserts or crafts with your imagination and creativity. Whether you want to indulge yourself, share with others, or have some fun, sweet fruit candy is a great option for all occasions.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about sweet fruit candy:
Q: How long does sweet fruit candy last?
A: Sweet fruit candy can last for several months if stored properly in an airtight container in a cool and dry place. Q: Is sweet fruit candy vegan?
A: Some sweet fruit candy is vegan, while some is not. It depends on the ingredients used to make it. For example, gelatin is derived from animal collagen, so it is not vegan. Pectin is derived from plant cell walls, so it is vegan. Q: Is sweet fruit candy gluten-free?
A: Most sweet fruit candy is gluten-free, as it does not contain wheat or other grains that have gluten. However, some may have traces of gluten due to cross-contamination during production or packaging. Q: Is sweet fruit candy healthy?
A: Sweet fruit candy can have some health benefits if eaten in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. However, it is also high in sugar and calories, which can have negative effects on your health if eaten too much or too often. It can cause tooth decay, weight gain, diabetes, and other problems. Therefore, you should limit your intake of sweet fruit candy and brush your teeth after eating it. Q: What are some alternatives to sweet fruit candy?
A: If you want to enjoy something sweet and fruity without the added sugar and calories, you can try some alternatives to sweet fruit candy. For example, you can eat fresh or dried fruits, which are natural and nutritious. You can also make your own fruit snacks with pureed fruits and agar-agar, which are vegan and gluten-free.
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