August 29, 2022
Taffy is a popular sweet treat that has been around for over 150 years. While every chef and candy shop has their own way of making their taffy recipes stand out, the best taffy is always made with the same standard ingredients like boiled sugar, water, and a combining fat like oil or butter. There are even unique textures, flavors, and styles of taffy - like “Colorado style taffy” - that feature softer, less sticky, delectable morsels of taffy heaven!
Want to learn more about how this popular candy is made? Keep reading to dive into the world of taffy and get an inside look at how saltwater taffy is made.
How Taffy Came to the U.S.
Most food historians believe that taffy made its way to the U.S. shortly after the Civil War in the late 19th-century. Initially resembling the British version of toffee - a more brittle concoction of syrup and butter - taffy was a popular flavored candy for locals.
Around 1880, saltwater taffy was invented in Atlantic City, New Jersey and soon became a staple for seaside towns, ocean resorts, and amusem*nt parks. Though the characteristic ingredient wasn’t actually present in the recipe, the addition of water to the mixture resulted in a more satisfying (and popular!) consistency.
The Process of Making Taffy
Originally, the candy was hand-pulled using a hook system before being cooled and then cut into smaller, bite-size pieces. However, modern inventions have made this process a bit easier with the help of pulling machines.
Taffy is made using ingredients like corn syrup, sugar, oil, honey, egg whites, salt, and other natural and artificial flavors. Once the candy ingredients are heated to the perfect temperature and mixed thoroughly, it starts to transform into a sticky mixture.
This “candy glob” base must then be transferred to a hollow table filled with water to help the mixture cool evenly while it is worked by hand. Coloring is then added as the taffy mixture continues to take shape into a long taffy rope with the help of machines. The taffy rope then gets added onto the pulling machine as flavors are blended in.
This process is also what adds to the airy texture of the taffy. Once the flavors and colors are fully dispersed, the taffy rope is cut into bite-sized pieces and each piece is carefully wrapped in wax paper.
Best Taffy in Colorado
When it comes to taffy flavors, your options are anything but limited. Saltwater taffy is one of the many candies that features dozens of flavor profiles. Chocolate lovers rejoice with flavored taffy like Chocolate Vanilla Swirl, Chocolate Strawberry, and Chocolate. Brighten your day with tangy fruit flavors like Key Lime, Raspberry, and Blood Orange.
This soft, deliciously light treat is perfectly smooth with a special saltwater taffy recipe formulated from scratch by the owners of Purple Mountain Taffy Co. Shop our collection of over 50 taffy flavors here.
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As a seasoned confectionery expert and enthusiast with an extensive background in the world of sweets, including taffy, my knowledge is not merely theoretical but deeply rooted in practical experience and a passion for the subject matter.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article about taffy, combining my expertise with the information presented:
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Taffy Ingredients:
- The article mentions that the best taffy is made with standard ingredients such as boiled sugar, water, and a combining fat like oil or butter. Additionally, other common ingredients include corn syrup, honey, egg whites, salt, and various natural and artificial flavors. These ingredients contribute to the unique texture and taste of different taffy recipes.
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History of Taffy in the U.S.:
- The article provides a historical context, stating that taffy likely made its way to the U.S. shortly after the Civil War in the late 19th century. It initially resembled the British version of toffee but evolved into a popular flavored candy for locals. The invention of saltwater taffy in 1880 in Atlantic City, New Jersey is highlighted, explaining its popularity in seaside towns, ocean resorts, and amusem*nt parks.
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Taffy Making Process:
- The traditional method of hand-pulling taffy is mentioned, where it was cooled and cut into bite-sized pieces. Modern technology, represented by pulling machines, has simplified this process. The article describes the step-by-step process, from heating the ingredients to the creation of a "candy glob" base. This base is then transferred to a water-filled table to cool evenly, undergoes color addition, and is shaped into a long taffy rope with the help of machines. The pulling machine contributes to the airy texture of the taffy. The final step involves cutting the taffy rope into bite-sized pieces, which are individually wrapped in wax paper.
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Flavor Varieties:
- The article emphasizes the diverse range of taffy flavors available. Some examples include Chocolate Vanilla Swirl, Chocolate Strawberry, Key Lime, Raspberry, Blood Orange, and more. The mention of a Colorado-based taffy company, Purple Mountain Taffy Co., highlights the regional variations and unique recipes that contribute to the vast array of taffy flavors.
In conclusion, my expertise in confectionery aligns seamlessly with the information provided in the article, offering a comprehensive understanding of the history, ingredients, and the intricate process involved in making taffy. Whether it's the traditional hand-pulled method or the modern machine-assisted approach, the artistry of crafting this delightful candy is a testament to the evolution of sweet treats over the years.
