How to Quickly Dry Gummi Bears

Gummi bears become increasingly hard and chewy as they lose moisture.

Gummi, or gummy, bears are bear-shaped sweetened and flavored gelatin candy. Most gummi bear makers produce a selection of fruit-inspired flavors and colors. The semi-firm gel candies are dried from their original liquid form. As moisture is released from the gummi bears, they become increasingly tough and chewy. Candy manufacturers seal the gummi bears into bags to stop moisture loss and set the texture of their product. You can quickly dry gummi bear candies to achieve the precise level of chewiness you enjoy.

Things You'll Need

• Cornstarch
• Sifter
• Small shallow dish
• Pastry brush
• Knife or kitchen shears (optional)

Instructions

1. Add cornstarch to a sifter. Sift cornstarch into a small shallow dish until it reaches the level of the rim.

2. Press the gummi bears into the cornstarch with their feet and hands pointing down until the flat backside is even with the level of the cornstarch. Leave a 1/4-inch of space between each gummi bear. Sift more cornstarch onto the backs of the gummi bears until they are no longer visible.

3. Slide the shallow dish of cornstarch and gummi bears into the refrigerator. Wait for six hours. Remove a single candy from the dish for a texture sample.

4. Leave the texture sample gummi bear out at room temperature for 15 minutes to warm up. Dust off the sample with a pastry brush to remove the cornstarch. Chew the gummi bear to determine if the others need more time in the shallow tray.

5. Sample another bear candy every 6 to 8 hours until they are dried to your satisfaction. Cut the gummi bears into pieces to expose more surface area to the cornstarch and decrease drying times.

Tips & Warnings

• Freeze the dried gummi bears in a sealed plastic bag to make them temporarily harder. The gummi warms and softens as you chew, providing another texture twist.

• For sweet and sour gummi bears, soak the candies in hot water for 30 seconds to make them sticky. Place the wet gummi bears on a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Roll the sticky candies in a 50-50 mixture of lemonade mix and powdered sugar.

References

• "Kosher Food Production"; Zushe Yosef Blech; Jan 2009
• Baking 911: Candy 101: Ingredients and Formulas