Stick candy facts for kids
A variety of flavored stick candy in a store display
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| Alternative names | Candy stick, barber pole candy, barber pole |
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| Type | Hard candy |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Main ingredients | Sugar, sometimes corn syrup, water, cream of tartar |
Stick candy is a yummy, long, and thin type of hard candy. It's often called a "candy stick" or "barber pole candy." These candies are usually about 4 to 7 inches long. They are also about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
Just like candy canes, stick candies often have two or more colors. These colors are swirled together in a cool spiral pattern. This pattern looks a lot like the stripes on a traditional barber's pole. Stick candy has been a popular treat in the United States for a long time. Many people think of it as an "old-fashioned" candy. You can often find it in old-style shops. These shops specialize in items that bring back fun memories.
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The Sweet History of Stick Candy
Stick candy has a long and interesting past. It was first shown to the public in the fall of 1837. This was at a special event in Massachusetts. Back in the 1860s, stick candy was a big hit. Both kids and adults loved it across the U.S. Selling this candy, especially during carnival season, was a great way to make money.
People would even sell broken pieces of stick candy. They put them in paper containers. They made these simple pieces seem very special. This allowed them to sell them for a good price. Stick candy was so popular that it even inspired songs and poems! One song from 1885 was simply called "The Candy Stick." It talked about how much kids loved the striped candy.
A poem from 1907, "Stick-Candy Days," also shared sweet memories. It described a small shop with different flavors. These included lemon, wintergreen, and cinnamon. Another poem from 1909, "The Land of Candy," imagined a forest. The trees in this forest were giant stick candies!
How Stick Candy is Made
Making stick candy starts with simple ingredients. These include sugar, water, and sometimes corn syrup. A tiny bit of cream of tartar is also added. This mixture is cooked until it becomes a thick dough.
Next, colors and flavors are mixed into the dough. Then, the candy dough is pulled and twisted. This creates the famous spiral pattern. Finally, the long candy is cut into the right lengths. It is then left to cool down and get hard.
In the 1800s, red and white swirls were the most common colors. Sometimes bright blue was also used. Stick candy is similar to a candy cane. Candy canes are usually bent into a "J" shape. Stick candy stays straight and is often thicker.
Fun Flavors and Colors
Stick candy comes in many different flavors. Some classic ones include root beer, sassafras, and cinnamon. You can also find flavors like peppermint, butterscotch, and licorice. There are also many fruit and berry flavors. Some stick candies even mix two different flavors together!
Stick candy is usually sold wrapped in clear plastic. Traditionally, stores displayed them in big glass jars. This made them look even more appealing. Years ago, you could buy a single stick for a nickel or a dime. Today, they usually cost a bit more. You can also buy them in bigger packs. Some special kinds of stick candy are even filled with sweet cream inside!
How People Enjoy Stick Candy
Stick candy is a hard candy, so it takes a while to dissolve. Most people enjoy it by slowly sucking on it. This makes the candy last a long time. Just like lollipops, you can also crunch them with your teeth.
Sometimes, stick candy is used in other yummy foods. People might crush it up and add it to ice cream. It can also be used in pudding or frosting. Thin slices of stick candy can even be used as a topping for cakes. It also tastes great when mixed with chocolate in other candy treats.
