Polkagris facts for kids
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| Type | Candy stick |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Sweden |
| Region or state | Gränna |
| Created by | Amalia Eriksson |
| Main ingredients | Sugar, peppermint |
| Other information | EU-Status: Protected |
Polkagris (say "POHL-ka-griss") is a famous Swedish stick candy. It was first made in 1859 by a woman named Amalia Eriksson in the town of Gränna, Sweden. This candy is still very popular in Sweden, especially at fairs and Christmas markets.
The traditional polkagris candy stick is white and red. It tastes like peppermint. To be called "Genuine Polkagris," the candy must be made in Gränna. This is because it has a special protection from the EU.
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What Does Polkagris Mean?
The name "polkagris" literally means "polka pig."
The word "polka" comes from a lively swirling dance called the polka. This dance was new when polkagris was invented. It might remind people of how the candy is made, by twisting red and white sugar dough together.
The word "gris" means "pig" in Swedish. Back then, "gris" was also a slang word for candy.
The Story of Polkagris
The special polkagris candy stick was invented in Gränna in 1859. It was created by Amalia Eriksson (1824–1923). Amalia was a poor 35-year-old widow. She needed to support herself and her family after her husband died.
Amalia Eriksson got permission from the town council to open a bakery. She made pastries and peppermint candies. She opened her shop in Gränna. Amalia kept her candy recipe a secret. It was only shared after she passed away.
The candy is made from sugar dough. This dough is boiled, kneaded on a marble table, and then stretched. It is twisted by hand to get the right size. The candies contain peppermint, sugar, water, and a tiny bit of vinegar. Today, about 20 stores in Gränna sell these candies.
Polkagris candies come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. But the classic version is a straight stick. It is red and white and tastes like peppermint. The recipe for polkagris has even been put into Swedish cookbooks.
Gränna is a small town with about 2,500 people. But many visitors come there each year. They are often drawn by the famous candy. Polkagris has been a tradition for over 150 years.
The first store to make polkagrisar outside of Gränna opened in 2011. It was in the Old Town of Stockholm. In 2016, polkagris also started to be made in the US. This happened in the small town of Solvang, California. It is made by hand there at the Swedish Candy Factory.
Polkagris Championships and Records
Gränna now holds an annual world championship in polkagris making. This is a fun event for tourists. The candy is made by hand. A perfect polkagris should weigh exactly 50 grams. The championship happens every year on July 25. It takes place outdoors by the shore of Lake Vättern.
Some polkagris records have been set for the Guinness Book of World Records.
- The world's longest polkagris (1989) was 287.7 meters long.
- The highest polkagris (1993) was 8.67 meters tall.
- The world's heaviest polkagris stick (2003) weighed 2158.7 kilograms.
See also
In Spanish: Polkagris para niños
