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Candy corn is a confection popular in the United States and Canada, particularly in autumn around Halloween. Created in the 1880s by George Renninger of the Wunderle Candy Company, the three colors of the candy mimic the appearance of North American corn Each piece is approximately the size of a whole kernel of corn from a ripe or dried ear. The candy is generally cast in three colors. The most common combination is a broad yellow top, orange center, and tapered white bottom. The most common variation features a chocolate brown top with orange and white. This variant, known as "Indian corn," is also associated with the Thanksgiving holiday.
Sales
The National Confectioners Association estimates that 9,072,000 kilograms (20 million pounds) of candy corn are sold each year. The top branded retailer of candy corn, Brach's, sells enough candy corn each year to circle the earth four times if the kernels were laid end to end.
October 30 is National Candy Corn Day. Though most candy corn is purchased at Halloween, the confection is available year-round.
Production
Candy corn is made primarily from sugar, corn syrup and honey. Originally, candy corn was made by hand. Manufacturers first combined sugar, corn syrup, and water and cooked them to form a slurry. Fondant was added for texture and marshmallows were added to provide a soft bite. The final mixture was then heated and poured into shaped molds. Three passes, one for each colored section, were required during the pouring process. Though the tasks initially performed by people were soon taken over by machines invented for the purpose, the recipe and process has remained basically the same in the years since.
References
- Saeger, Natalie (29 October 2007). "History of candy corn. With new colors and flavors, a treat for all seasons". The Spectator. Retrieved 18 October 2008.
{{cite news}}:|section=ignored (help) - Brach's Confections, Inc. 2004. "Brach's for Halloween. Press release. Retrieved 2006-10-03.
- http://www.farleysandsathers.com/FunFacts/FunFacts.asp#zz1
- "Unwrapped Bulk Candy Ingredients". Candyfavorites.com. Retrieved 4 October 2009.
- "TLC Cooking "What is Candy Corn and How is it Made?"". howstuffworks.com. Retrieved 15 October 2009.
- "TLC Cooking "What is Candy Corn and How is it Made?"". howstuffworks.com. Retrieved 15 October 2009.
- "Candy Corn Bulk Candy". Candyfavorites.com. Retrieved 4 October 2009.