How to Make Rock Candy at Home

Making rock candy is an edible science experiment.

The preparation of rock candy offers the combination of a food recipe and science experiment while yielding an interesting-looking and sometimes even beautiful result. Rock candy is basically crystallized sugar, but it can be enhanced by adding flavors and colors.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups water
• 4 cups sugar
• Food coloring
• Galvanized washer

Instructions

1. Bring the water to a boil. Add the sugar, stirring the mix with a wooden spoon until the sugar is dissolved, and continue until the mix is clear and boiling. Add drops of food coloring to the mix until it reaches your preferred color.

2. Take the saucepan off the stove, allow it to cool to room temperature, and then pour the mixture into a clean jar.

3. Tie the washer to a piece of string that is about 1 inch shorter than the depth of the jar you are using. Tie the other end of the string to the middle of a pen or pencil.

4. Dip the string into the sugar solution you made, roll it in a little dry sugar, and lay it on a piece of waxed paper. Make sure it is straight and allow it to dry and harden for two or three days.

5. Hang the string with the pen or pencil across the top of the jar and the washer suspended in the sugar solution. Cover the jar with a piece of waxed paper or paper towel.

6. Let the string sit in the solution and at room temperature for seven days. Do not touch or disturb the string or jar during this time, and you will have beautiful rock candy crystals.

References

• The Accidental Scientist: Make Rock Candy

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Steve Spangler Science: Food Science Experiments