Drops

Candy Drops are old fashioned candies that have been made and enjoyed for a long time. These traditional treats are made from just boiled sugar and flavorings. The charm of Candy Drops comes from the nostalgia of squeezing these hard candies between your tongue and upper palate. The most popular Candy Drops flavors include Lemon and Horehound.

Candy Drop Trivia

• In the Harry Potter series, Dumbledore was known to be fond of Lemon Drops he even used it as the password in his office.
• The term Lemon Drop is also commonly used for throat lozenges and lemon cocktails.

Candy Drop Buying Guide

Candy Drops are sold in all colors and flavors. With that, there is no specific way in choosing these candies. However, we recommend eating the traditional flavors made by your local candy makers and artisans to keep their businesses and traditions alive.

 

Candy Drop Production & Farming in Texas

Candy shopping shouldn’t be a problem as Texas has a lot of commercial candy companies and artisan confectioners that you can choose from.

 

Preservatives and Chemicals

Food additives and chemicals are essential ingredients in candy making. Food coloring can be artificial and natural. Artificial food coloring contains chemicals that cause allergies and triggers asthma and other bronchial illnesses. Thus, it is advisable to avoid using it to prevent possibly fatal allergic shocks.

 

When making candy drops, it’s best to use natural flavoring and coloring that will give a better aroma and more earthy favors. Coloring and flavorings can be derived from plant, flower, and animal extracts such as saffron, roses, and sweet peas.

 

Packaging

It is advisable to wear cotton or latex gloves during the confectionary packaging process. Warm moisture from the hands causes the candies to melt, affecting their appearance and texture. If you’re planning to repack candy drops as party favors, prepare it a day before the party.

Enjoying Candy Drops

The best way to eat Drop candies is to consume it as it is. It’s the warm, melting sensation in your mouth that makes this experience so innocent and special. If you want to elevate candy drops, there are many ways to use it as an ingredient or even garnish. Crush candy drops, dip the rim of a cocktail glass to use it as an elegant décor. You can also use lemon drops as toppings for your cakes and cupcakes.

 

Storage

Candy Drops should be stored in the cupboard as those can melt if exposed to sunlight, heat, and humidity. When this happens, shake the jar to release any sticky candy bits. It’s best to leave the candies in their original packaging and containers. Never store the candies in the refrigerator or the car.

 

Cooking

Make your candies for any special occasion.

 

HOMEMADE GUMDROPS

 

INGREDIENTS

6 envelopes unflavored gelatin 4 tbsp + 1 1/2 tsp

1 cup cold water

1 1/2 cups boiling water

4 cups sugar

2 tsp flavored extract lemon, orange, peppermint, etc

12 drops liquid food coloring

1 cup sugar for coating

 

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

4 silicone candy molds

1 thermometer

 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large pot (yes, a large stew pot, you’ll need it!), stir together the gelatin and cold water. Let sit 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, let the additional water come to a boil in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Pour the boiling water over the gelatin mixture and stir until dissolved, about 1 minute. Stir in the sugar.
3. Place the pot over a burner at medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer until the mixture reaches 240-255 degrees F, about 25 minutes, stirring constantly and scraping sides to avoid burning any sugar. The mixture will get quite thick.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the flavor extract of your choice. Next, add food coloring, or divide the mixture among bowls and add food coloring for multiple colors.
5. Pour gelatin into silicone molds. Let sit at room temperature, 12 hours.
6. Remove candy from molds. If you need to cut the candies, run your knife under hot water before each cut to avoid sticking. Roll in extra sugar to coat.
7. Place on a wax paper lined tray. Cover with a tea towel and let sit at room temperature for 48 hours to crystalize.
8. Keep in a sealed container for up to four weeks.

 

OTHER VARIATIONS:

Want sour candies? Instead of rolling the candies in plain sugar, add a tablespoon or two of citric acid to the sugar mixture.