Saltwater Taffy

To start with this topic, let us first explain what a taffy is.  As defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, a taffy is “a very sticky candy made from molasses or sugar that is pulled tight until it is light in color.”

Now, let’s move on to saltwater taffy.  Contrary to what people assume, it actually does not contain any salt water from the sea or ocean. The name and its alleged story can be traced to a New Jersey legend.  It was the 1880s in Atlantic City when a candy shop owned by a David Bradley was flooded by seawater due to a storm.  A young girl came to the shop to buy some taffy and Bradley jokingly told her that all they had was saltwater taffy.  And the rest was history.  However interesting that tale was, the details are not actually clear if it really happened.  A certain food historian named Andrew Smith says the “saltwater” taffy was actually only a marketing ploy that was picked up by other Atlantic City vendors until it spread to other coastal towns.   So, in theory, saltwater taffy is just practically the same as taffy, just with a more interesting story.

Saltwater Taffy Trivia

• In the 19^th century, there was a popular candy pull party concept. Usually done during birthday parties or during school groups or churches, people come together to actually pull the taffy molasses or sugar mixture to create their own candy!
• May 23^rd is the National Taffy Day!
• There were two big names in Atlantic City when it comes to saltwater taffy: Joseph Fralinger and Enoch James.  But the two companies have since come to merge under the James Candy Company, though their candies are still sold separately.

Saltwater Taffy Buying Guide

Taffies a.k.a. saltwater taffies are easily available from any candy or sweets producers.   Videos of taffy being pulled by candy makers and machines are going viral, making people more interested to try saltwater taffies or to crave what were once their childhood favorites.  And who says candies are just for kids?

Saltwater Taffy Production & Farming in Texas

Candy companies, confectioneries, and other dessert and sweets producers have also tried their hand in making and selling salt water taffy.  Some even boast of their home-made concoctions, making buyers reminisce about their sweet childhood memories. Commercially produced and sold taffy brands are also available in supermarkets or convenience stores.

Preservatives, Additives, and Chemicals

Part of the charm of saltwater taffies is its enticing colors and unique flavors, aside from, of course, the sugar rush that we get from every bite!  But aside from the warnings from consuming too much sugar, making taffies are also prone to using some additives to further enhance this treat.

• High Fructose Corn Syrup – The HFCS is an artificial sugar that is made from corn syrup. Commercial producers of products usually use this, as the HFCS is a cheaper substitute to natural sweeteners. But overconsumption of items with this ingredient can be linked to several serious health issues such as diabetes, obesity, fatty liver, and heart disease.
• Artificial Flavors – these are flavorings added in our food that is not extracted from organic sources such as plants or animals. These are usually present in processed foods and snacks. But while others do not recommend taking in food with anything artificial, there are no reported significant health risks associated with taking in these artificial flavors.
• Artificial Food Color – These make the food colors pop and look so much brighter and appetizing.  However, there are some food colors and food dyes that have been banned from some countries as research findings have highlighted them to cause allergic reactions, tumors, and cancers.  These banned food dyes are Blue 2, Green 3, Yellow 3, Yellow 6, and Red 3.

Packaging

Taffy packaging makes candy eating more irresistible, in its inviting colors and designs.  They are often individually wrapped in plastic or wax packaging, then packed together in sealed plastics, tins, or tubs.

Enjoying Saltwater Taffies

There seems to be an endless list of flavors for the consumers to choose from, which includes vanilla, watermelon, banana, chocolate, peppermint, banana, cotton candy, peanut butter and jelly, and a whole lot more!

Storage:

Homemade saltwater taffy is said to be best eaten within 7 days, but it can hold for about 2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator, and up to 6 months when frozen.  Make sure to let the taffy come to room temperature, which is its best state to be enjoyed.

Homemade Saltwater Taffy

Convert your home into your own candy store by making saltwater taffy right from your kitchen! Just follow this recipe by Food.com.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• ¾ cup water
• 2 tablespoons margarine
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon flavoring

Instructions:

1. Mix together sugar and cornstarch in a heavy saucepan.  Stir in corn syrup, water, salt, and margarine. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Cover the pan and bring to a boil for about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Uncover and place the thermometer in the pan.  Cook until it reaches 266 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Remove from heat and add food coloring and flavoring oil. Stir gently.
5. Pour onto a greased flat surface, like a marble slab or shallow pan to cool. Wait until it gets cool enough to be touched.
6. Grease hands and pull at the mixture until light and shows a satiny gloss.
7. Pull into a long rope.  Cut into the desired size using scissors. Wrap each taffy in waxed paper.