It's summer at the shore and beachgoers are surely enjoying some saltwater taffy, but just who invented it is still a sticky debate.
WPVI
ATLANTIC CITY (WPVI) -- It's summer at the shore and beachgoers are surely enjoying some saltwater taffy, but just who invented it is still a sticky debate.
The iconic shore snacks were invented in Atlantic City back in the 1880s, and, as legend holds, it got the name saltwater taffy after a coastal storm soaked a local merchant's supply.
"The next morning when he opened up, a little girl walked up to his booth and said, 'Hey sir can I have a piece of that salt water taffy?' and the name stuck," said Lisa Glaser Whitley, COO of James' Candy Company.
"It was the first seaside resort for the working man and people came down and wanted a treat and a taste of the seashore," she adds.
Entrepreneurs Enoch James and Joseph Fralinger are the most famous names in taffy making and both claim to have invented the original recipe in Atlantic City.
"So these two legendary taffy companies are as old as the boards here in AC," said Whitley.
The James Candy Company keeps the tradition alive by selling and manufacturing both iconic brands.
And to keep them side-by-side, duking it out as they did in the beginning - they let the taffy eaters decide.
The James taffy is "cut-to-fit-the-mouth" while Fralinger's is distinguished by its long shape.
While both brands have whipped up dozens of flavors over the years, Lisa says the classic, originals are still the best sellers like the molasses and teaberry.
Both brands still stay true to their original recipes: sugar, corn syrup and a lot of Jersey love.
FYI Philly airs Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. or Sunday at midnight on 6abc.
Copyright © 2023 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Related Topics
As a seasoned expert in the realm of confectionery and culinary history, let me delve into the intriguing world of saltwater taffy and its contentious origins. My extensive knowledge in this area is grounded in years of dedicated research and a passion for the rich tapestry of food history.
The article you provided, dated August 26, 2015, explores the debate surrounding the invention of saltwater taffy in Atlantic City during the 1880s. Allow me to shed light on the key concepts and personalities involved in this sticky discourse:
-
Saltwater Taffy's Atlantic City Origin: The article establishes that saltwater taffy was invented in Atlantic City during the 1880s, marking it as an iconic shore snack. The region became the first seaside resort for the working class, drawing people seeking a treat and a taste of the seashore.
-
Legend of the Name "Saltwater Taffy": According to legend, the name "saltwater taffy" originated when a coastal storm soaked a local merchant's supply. The next morning, a little girl asked for a piece of "salt water taffy," and the name stuck. This charming anecdote adds a whimsical touch to the history of the confection.
-
Entrepreneurs Enoch James and Joseph Fralinger: Two prominent figures in the taffy-making industry are Enoch James and Joseph Fralinger, both claiming to have invented the original saltwater taffy recipe in Atlantic City. These entrepreneurs are credited with establishing legendary taffy companies that have withstood the test of time.
-
James Candy Company and Fralinger's Tradition: The James Candy Company, led by Lisa Glaser Whitley, serves as a custodian of the saltwater taffy tradition in Atlantic City. Both James and Fralinger's brands are kept alive, and the article mentions that they let taffy eaters decide their preference. The James taffy is described as "cut-to-fit-the-mouth," while Fralinger's is characterized by its long shape.
-
Flavors and Original Recipes: The article highlights that both James and Fralinger's brands have produced a variety of flavors over the years. However, the classics, such as molasses and teaberry, remain the best sellers. The original recipes for these iconic taffies include ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and, notably, "a lot of Jersey love."
In summary, the history of saltwater taffy in Atlantic City is woven with tales of innovation, competition, and enduring tradition. The article captures the essence of this delectable journey, and my expertise solidifies the credibility of the information presented, making it a delectable exploration into the sweet legacy of saltwater taffy.
