Saltwater taffy is a favorite treat of beachgoers and vacationers. Traditional taffy production involves boiling sugars at a high temperature. The taffy is then aerated by twisting and stretching until it’s softer and chewier.
Origin
You can purchase saltwater taffy from stores like Purple Mountain Taffy, but it was only sometimes known as such. The name was first used by a candy store owner near Atlantic City in the late 1800s. The ocean flooded his shopThe ocean flooded his shopThe ocean flooded his shop during a storm, and his taffy was soaked in salty Atlantic water. When a customer asked if he had any salt water taffy, he jokingly offered her some, and the name stuck from then on.
In the old days, people would pour taffy on a marble surface and butter their hands, which helped prevent the taffy from sticking to their fingers. They would then stretch and twist the taffy. A process that also adds air bubbles that make it lighter and chewier.
Today, taffy is made in large stainless steel and copper kettles and vacuum cooked to keep the candy soft and pliable. A pulling machine stretches, twists, and kneads the taffy into a chewy treat cut and packaged for customers.
Ingredients
Modern taffy is made from boiled sugars, oil or butter, and food coloring. It is stretched or pulled repeatedly until it achieves a light, chewy texture. Taffy manufacturers often add natural or artificial flavorings, including fruit, molasses, vanilla, and cinnamon. They can also add pastel colors. These ingredients are cooked to a high temperature before they are manipulated by a pulling machine that stretches, twists, and kneads the candy.
Process
Saltwater taffy is a popular treat that many enjoy as a sweet reminder of their favorite vacations. The taffy is found in candy shops across the country and has become one of the most popular gourmet taffies on the market. Some think the name came about because it is a favorite snack near a seaside boardwalk. Others believe that a customer visiting a shop named Bradley’s jokingly told him they only had salt water taffy left, and the name stuck.
Flavors
It’s hard to find someone who hasn’t enjoyed a piece of saltwater taffy at some point. It is a treat that is synonymous with beach vacations and boardwalks. It’s a candy that can be found at most grocery stores or in a goodie bag at a birthday party.
Legend has it that saltwater taffy was invented in Atlantic City in the 1880s by a confectioner.
