Every winter, millions of red-and-white striped candy canes appear on store shelves and holiday trees. While eating one is simple, making these classic treats is a fascinating mix of science, art, and teamwork inside a candy workshop.
The process begins with a simple mixture of sugar, water, and corn syrup. Candy makers pour these ingredients into large copper kettles and heat them to over three hundred degrees Fahrenheit. At this extreme temperature, the ingredients melt into a clear, bubbling liquid. Once it reaches the exact right heat, workers pour the molten candy onto large, water-cooled metal tables so it begins to thicken into a soft, flexible mass. This is also when candy makers pour in drops of pure peppermint oil. The intense mint aroma quickly fills the entire room.
Next comes the separation and coloring. Candy makers slice off a small portion of the batch and add bright red food coloring. The remaining large portion stays natural, but it looks yellowish and clear at first. To turn it bright white, workers place the warm batch onto a large mechanical pulling hook. As the machine repeatedly stretches and folds the candy, millions of tiny air bubbles become trapped inside. These trapped bubbles reflect light, transforming the dull mass into a bright, glossy white.
Now, the candy is ready for assembly. Skilled candy makers roll the white candy into a thick, heavy log called a loaf. Then, they lay the red strips along the sides of the white block. Together, the candy makers roll and stretch the entire loaf into a long, thin rope. As they roll the warm candy across the table, they twist it by hand. This twisting motion creates the famous diagonal spiraled stripes.
Finally, workers cut the long rope into individual sticks before the candy cools and hardens completely. While the sticks are still warm and bendable, workers quickly curve the top of each piece around a curved wooden post to create the classic hook, known as the crook. Once fully cooled, the crunchy, minty candy canes are wrapped and ready to be enjoyed.
