Cordial (candy) facts for kids
.JPG)
Cherry cordial
|
|
| Type | Candy |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Fruit, invertase, chocolate |
A cordial is a sweet treat that has a soft, often liquid, center usually made from fruit or a creamy filling. This delicious center is completely covered by a shell of chocolate. One of the most well-known types of this candy is the cherry cordial.
Contents
What Is a Chocolate Cordial Candy?
A chocolate cordial is a type of candy with a unique surprise inside. Imagine a piece of chocolate that, when you bite into it, releases a burst of liquid or a very soft, creamy filling. That's what a cordial is! It's different from a solid chocolate bar or a truffle.
The Sweet Secret Inside
The inside of a cordial is often a fruit-flavored liquid. For example, a cherry cordial has a sweet cherry liquid. Other popular flavors include orange, raspberry, or even mint. Sometimes, the center is a soft cream or a caramel.
How the Liquid Center Forms
You might wonder how a liquid gets trapped inside a chocolate shell. It's a bit like magic, but it's actually science! Candy makers start with a solid or very thick paste. This paste contains sugar, flavor, and a special ingredient called invertase.
The Role of Invertase Enzyme
Invertase is an enzyme. An enzyme is like a tiny helper that can change one thing into another. In this case, invertase helps to break down the sugar in the filling. Over time, this process turns the solid or thick paste into a liquid. This happens after the chocolate has already hardened around the filling.
Making Chocolate Cordials
Making these candies involves a few clever steps. First, the sweet center is prepared. This could be a fruit-flavored syrup or a soft fondant. This filling is then shaped into small pieces.
Coating with Chocolate
Next, these small pieces of filling are carefully dipped into melted chocolate. The chocolate quickly cools and hardens, forming a solid shell around the soft center. This creates a sealed package for the delicious filling.
The Transformation Process
After the chocolate shell is complete, the magic of the invertase begins. The candy is stored for a while. During this time, the invertase slowly works on the sugar inside the filling. It changes the sugar into a liquid form, creating the signature gooey or liquid center that cordials are famous for.
History of Cordial Candies
The idea of a liquid-filled candy has been around for a long time. Early versions of cordials were often made with fruit liqueurs. However, the modern chocolate cordial, especially those with fruit centers, became very popular in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Popularity and Traditions
Chocolate cordials are often enjoyed as a special treat. They are popular during holidays like Valentine's Day or Christmas. Many people enjoy the surprise of the liquid center when they bite into the chocolate. They make great gifts and are a classic candy that many families enjoy.
