Taffy Pulling Information

Taffy is usually pulled and wrapped up before being sold.

Taffy is a classic, chewy candy that can take on regional qualities, like the taffy of the northeast seaside and the molasses-based taffy in the Great Smokey Mountains. In order to make taffy, it must be pulled.

Ingredients

Taffy is primarily made of sugar, sometimes mixed with another sweetener like molasses or honey. Butter is added to prevent the crystallization of the sugar and cornstarch is often used to give the taffy its smooth consistency. Salt is always added along with water and flavorings.

Pulling

After the taffy is cooked it needs to be pulled, stretched and folded for as long as 15 minutes or so. This process, known as pulling, incorporates air into the candy to make it lighter and chewier.

Taffy Pull Parties

Taffy is a candy that is strongly rooted in history and tradition. New England, for example, is known for its old-fashioned saltwater taffy shops. In the mountains, taffy parties used to be very common in the winter. Since the candy has to be pulled for a long time, this became a fun way for kids and teens to interact.

References

• The Mountain Laurel: Old Fashioned Taffy Pull Parties
• The Science of Cooking: Taffy Recipe
• The Science of Cooking: Why Do you Pull Taffy