Facts About Salt Water Taffy

Salt water taffy is a staple of traditional American candy. This unique confection has both a fascinating history and an interesting process of creation.

Salt Water

Salt water is not part of ingredient list or process for making taffy. The origin of the candy's name is disputed but may involve a story of the sea flooding an Atlantic City candy shop in 1883.

History

The exact origins of the taffy recipe are unknown, but the candy is thought to have originated in the late 1800s. The first Atlantic City business registry with the name "salt water taffy" is dated 1889.

Ingredients

Taffy is made from a mixture of corn syrup, sugar, butter, cornstarch, and water with a little salt. Food coloring as well as flavoring and citric acid may also be added.

Cooking

When taffy is made, the ingredients are first boiled until they reach the "soft crack" stage, or 270 degrees F.

Pulling

After cooking, the sticky mass of ingredients must be pulled and stretched to incorporate air into the mix and make the taffy fluffy and stretchy.

References

• Salt Water Taffy History

Resources

• Salt Water Taffy History