National Hard Candy Day: A Sweet Celebration
Hard candy is a beloved confection made primarily of sugar, boiled to perfection at 320°F and shaped into various forms. This timeless treat has delighted people across generations with its long-lasting flavors and colorful appearance.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: December 19th annually
- Tagged as: Food & Drink, Snacks & Desserts
- What’s the hashtag?: #HardCandyDay
- When was it founded?: Unknown
- Who founded it?: Origin not documented
History
Hard candy’s story begins in ancient Egypt, where honey was boiled with fruit juices to create long-lasting sweets. By the 17th century, as sugar became more accessible, hard candy production flourished. Initially prescribed for stomach ailments, these treats transformed from medicinal lozenges to popular confections.
Timeline
- 600s: Crystallized sugar candy appears in sugar-rich countries
- 1700s: Peppermint candies emerge as digestive aids
- 1800s: John Millar begins producing liquorice and blackcurrant hard candy
- 1900s: First candy-making machine invented for lozenge production
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Dec 19 | Thursday |
| 2025 | Dec 19 | Friday |
| 2026 | Dec 19 | Saturday |
| 2027 | Dec 19 | Sunday |
| 2028 | Dec 19 | Tuesday |
Observed
The day is celebrated worldwide through candy sampling, sharing treats, and exploring new flavors. Many people use this day to rediscover childhood favorites or try making their own hard candy at home.
Fun Facts About Hard Candy
- Cherry is the most popular hard candy flavor
- Jolly Rancher surpassed Werther’s Original as the best-selling hard candy in 2015
- Hard candies are nearly 100% sugar
- The largest lollipop ever made was almost 6 feet high
Quiz
- At what temperature is hard candy made?
- What was the original purpose of hard candies?
- Which flavor dominates hard candy sales?
(Answers: 320°F, Medicinal purposes, Cherry)
FAQs
Q: Can hard candy be sugar-free?
A: Yes, using alternatives like isomalt and aspartame
Q: How long does hard candy last?
A: Several months when properly stored
Importance of Hard Candy Day
This celebration recognizes a treat that has evolved from a luxury item to an affordable pleasure, while preserving centuries of candy-making tradition and bringing joy to people of all ages.
Related
- National Lollipop Day
- National Candy Cane Day
- National Sugar Awareness Day
- World Chocolate Day
- National Candy Month