What is the History of Candy Floss?
Woman leaning on car bonnet enjoying some candy floss at the Carnival (image photographed by Breno Cardoso)
Candy Floss: And its Name
Ah, candy floss, that fluffy, sugary delight that conjures memories of childhood carnivals and fairgrounds! Known by various names around the world—cotton candy in the U.S., fairy floss in Australia, and candy floss in the UK—this whimsical treat has a history as light and airy as the treat itself. Let’s take a delightful twirl through the sugary history of candy floss.
Sweet Beginnings: Where Candy Floss Began!
While candy floss as we know it is a relatively modern invention, the concept of spinning sugar dates back to ancient times. In Italy, during the 15th century, chefs were already crafting intricate sugar sculptures by melting and spinning sugar. These early efforts were labor-intensive and reserved for the wealthy due to the high cost of sugar.
The Cotton Candy Revolution: Did a Dentist Create Candy Floss?
Image of someone making cotton candy (image photographed by Amine İspir)
Shock Much! The real breakthrough for candy floss came at the turn of the 20th century. In 1897, William Morrison, a dentist, and John C. Wharton, a confectioner, teamed up in Nashville, Tennessee, to invent the first electric candy floss machine. Their invention melted sugar and used centrifugal force to spin it through tiny holes, creating the fine threads of sugary goodness we recognize today.
Morrison and Wharton introduced their "fairy floss" to the public at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. It was an instant hit, with eager customers purchasing over 68,000 boxes at 25 cents each—a small fortune at the time! This event marked the beginning of candy floss’s journey into popular cculture. So not only did William Morrison, create candy floss but the machine too!
From Fairy Floss to Cotton Candy and of Course Candy Floss
The name "fairy floss" stuck until the 1920s, when another dentist, Joseph Lascaux, improved the original machine and rebranded the treat as "cotton candy." This new name quickly caught on, and the treat became a staple at circuses, fairs, and amusement parks across the United States.
Spinning Candy Floss Around the World
Candy floss didn’t just captivate American audiences; it spun its way into hearts around the globe. In the UK, it became known as candy floss, while in Australia, it retained the charming moniker of fairy floss. Regardless of the name, the magic remained the same—watching sugar transform into a cloud of deliciousness was a universal delight.
The Science of Candy Floss
Sugar cubes in a jar and some outside the jar (image photographed by Suzy Hazel wood)
What makes candy floss so special? The magic lies in its simplicity. Granulated sugar is the only ingredient, sometimes colored or flavored. When heated to around 190°C (374°F) and spun at high speeds, the sugar melts and is forced through tiny holes, rapidly cooling in the air to form those iconic wispy strands.
Modern Twists: Flavors and Colors Galore
Cherry flavour candy floss tubs 50g
Today, candy floss comes in an array of colors and flavors. From classic pink vanilla and blue raspberry to more adventurous flavors like green apple and even bubblegum, there’s a candy floss for every taste bud. Creative vendors and chefs continue to innovate, incorporating candy floss into desserts, cocktails, and even savory dishes.
Fun Candy Floss Facts
1. Record-Breaking Fluff: The largest candy floss ever made weighed a whopping 3,200 pounds and was created in Yilan, Taiwan, in 2015.
2. Cotton Candy Day: Yes, there’s a day for everything! National Cotton Candy Day is celebrated in the United States on December 7th.
3. DIY Delight: Home candy floss machines have made it possible for enthusiasts to spin their own sugary clouds in their kitchens, adding a touch of magic to parties and events.
The Sweet Future of Candy Floss
As we continue to innovate and find new ways to enjoy candy floss, its popularity shows no signs of fading. Whether you encounter it at a local fair or see it reimagined in a gourmet dessert, candy floss will always evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia.
So, the next time you indulge in this airy confection, let yourself be transported back to the whimsical world of carnivals and carefree fun. After all, candy floss is more than just a treat—it’s a sweet piece of history spun from sugar and dreams. Enjoy!