Candy apple facts for kids
Toffee apples, also called candy apples in places like North America, are a fun treat! They are whole apples covered in a shiny, hard toffee or sugar coating. A stick is put in the apple to make it easy to hold and eat. These tasty treats are often found at autumn celebrations in countries like the United States and United Kingdom. Festivals such as Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night happen when apples are ready to be picked. Even though they look a bit like caramel apples, candy apples are made in a different way.
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The Sweet History of Candy Apples
Did you know that an American candy maker might have invented the red candy apple? His name was William W. Kolb, and he lived in Newark, New Jersey.
In 1908, Kolb was trying out new ideas in his candy shop. He was making red cinnamon candy for Christmas. He decided to dip some apples into his sweet mixture. Then, he put these bright red apples in his shop window. People loved them! He sold his first batch for just 5 cents each. Soon, he was selling thousands of candy apples every year. These sweet treats quickly became popular. You could find them at the Jersey Shore, at the circus, and in candy shops all over the country.
How Candy Apples Are Made
Making candy apples involves coating an apple with a layer of sugar. This sugar is heated until it becomes very hard. This is called the "hard crack stage" in candy making.
The most common coating is made from sugar (either white or brown), corn syrup, water, cinnamon, and red food coloring. It's important that the weather isn't too humid. If it's too damp, the sugar coating might not get hard enough.
Candy Apple Traditions Around the World
Candy apples are enjoyed in many places, often during special times of the year!
Australia
In Australia, the green Granny Smith apple is thought to be the best kind for making these children's treats.
Brazil
In Brazil, candy apples are called maçã-do-amor. This means "apples of love." They are a common treat during festivals that honor John the Apostle.
Canada
Candy apples are very popular in Canada. People usually eat them at fairs or carnivals.
China
In China, there's a similar treat called Tanghulu. It's made by coating small fruits, often hawthorns, with a hard sugar syrup.
France
In France, candy apples are known as pommes d'amour, which also means "apples of love." They are a common sweet treat found at many French festivals.
Germany
In Germany, candy apples are most often eaten during the Christmas season. You can also sometimes find them at carnivals and fairs.
Israel
In Israel, candy apples are mostly sold in city squares. This happens on the evening of Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day). They are part of the street celebrations.
Japan
In Japan, candy apples are often available at Japanese festivals. You can also find candy-coated grapes, strawberries, and tangerines.
Republic of Ireland
In the Republic of Ireland, people enjoy eating candy apples around Halloween.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, candy apples are linked to Halloween (in Scotland and Northern Ireland). They are also eaten on Bonfire Night (in England).
United States
In the United States, especially in New York's Coney Island area, you might find "jelly apples." These are similar but have a soft, jelly-like coating. They usually have a cherry flavor, not cinnamon.
Images for kids
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Pommes d'amour on display
See also
In Spanish: Manzana de caramelo para niños
