HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: So here's one that that absolutely floored me. Did you know this? That if you stack candy corn like this, it becomes a cob of corn?
This was jawdropping the first time I saw it--and continues to wow me. Amazing. I mean, someone thought of this, and designed the little candy corns to be ACTUAL candy corns. Remember, I am from Indiana, so this is not city-girl Hank being baffled by corn. (I am not fond of candy corn, but I love this every time.) Did you know this?
So who the heck would have thought to make candy corn? I mean, real corn is delicious, "corn-tastic" as a recent meme hilarious dubbed it, but it's not --well, I'm not sure it's the first "let's make candy out of it" item that comes to mind.
Wikipedia says: It was first invented in the 1880s by a Wunderle Candy Company employee, George Renninger. Wunderle Candy Company was the first to produce the candy in 1888. The Goelitz Confectionery Company, now called Jelly Belly, began manufacturing the product in 1898.
And the Cincinnati Enquirer says: Originally, candy corn was made by hand. The process involved pouring a sequence of passes of different colored fondant into kernel-shaped molds. Candy corn is made essentially the same way today with basically the same recipe, but the process is now machine-automated.
The Hillcrest Hospital website (I know, I just do the research, I dont judge) says Goelitz originally marketed candy corn as "Chicken Feed" (as well as "butter cream" and "chicken corn") since the candy resembled that of corn, according to National Geographic. And back then,instead of being advertised as a Halloween candy, it was intended to appeal more to farmers and as a treat to be enjoyed year-round.
Can Dogs Eat Candy Corn? You might well ask. The pet poison helpline says: One candy corn may not hurt your pup, but several pieces will. Candy corn, along with other types of candy, contains an artificial sweetener, called xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is hazardous to dogs and their digestive system.
And this is SO vaulable to know: Should candy corn be refrigerated? Business Insider says:
Store your loose candy corn at room temperature in a covered candy dish away from direct sunlight and you can expect it to stay fresh for three to six months. If the packaging is still intact, it will likely last about nine months.
ed note: NINE MONTHS?
It is also regarded (multiple sources, who knows) as THE number one most disliked of all Halloween candies, scoring lower (on the candy chart?) than Hot Tamales and circus peanuts. (Circus peanuts are less a candy and more a travesty, IMO.)
So who the heck would have thought to make candy corn? I mean, real corn is delicious, "corn-tastic" as a recent meme hilarious dubbed it, but it's not --well, I'm not sure it's the first "let's make candy out of it" item that comes to mind.
Wikipedia says: It was first invented in the 1880s by a Wunderle Candy Company employee, George Renninger. Wunderle Candy Company was the first to produce the candy in 1888. The Goelitz Confectionery Company, now called Jelly Belly, began manufacturing the product in 1898.
And the Cincinnati Enquirer says: Originally, candy corn was made by hand. The process involved pouring a sequence of passes of different colored fondant into kernel-shaped molds. Candy corn is made essentially the same way today with basically the same recipe, but the process is now machine-automated.
The Hillcrest Hospital website (I know, I just do the research, I dont judge) says Goelitz originally marketed candy corn as "Chicken Feed" (as well as "butter cream" and "chicken corn") since the candy resembled that of corn, according to National Geographic. And back then,instead of being advertised as a Halloween candy, it was intended to appeal more to farmers and as a treat to be enjoyed year-round.
Can Dogs Eat Candy Corn? You might well ask. The pet poison helpline says: One candy corn may not hurt your pup, but several pieces will. Candy corn, along with other types of candy, contains an artificial sweetener, called xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is hazardous to dogs and their digestive system.
And this is SO vaulable to know: Should candy corn be refrigerated? Business Insider says:
Store your loose candy corn at room temperature in a covered candy dish away from direct sunlight and you can expect it to stay fresh for three to six months. If the packaging is still intact, it will likely last about nine months.
ed note: NINE MONTHS?
Anyway.
It is also regarded (multiple sources, who knows) as THE number one most disliked of all Halloween candies, scoring lower (on the candy chart?) than Hot Tamales and circus peanuts. (Circus peanuts are less a candy and more a travesty, IMO.)
And, finally, do you eat your candy corn one color at a time? I do. And that's fun, but know this: ALL THE COLORS TASTE THE SAME.
Aren't you glad you now know about this? Reds and readers, how do YOU feel about candy corn? And do you eat it one color at a time?
Thank you! I am SO glad that I now know all this :)
ReplyDeleteHowever, I still dislike candy corn, so I am not likely to be eating any of it [but if I did, I definitely would be eating it one color at a time] . . . .
Oh, so agree, dear friend. It is definitely life-changing to know this stuff. Xxxxx
DeleteGrowing up, candy corn was my favorite Halloween candy. It was once a year treat for me. With the onset of menopause this year, I have no idea if I would still like candy corn. Seems I used to have a sweet tooth and these days I do not seem to crave sweets. I also notice that my appetite is small these days.
ReplyDeleteYes, candy corn tastes the same no matter what the color is. A friend’s birthday is on Halloween and her favorite candy is candy corn too.
Well, makes sense that a Halloween birthday loves candy corn!
DeleteThat was my favorite candy while growing up, although I had no idea it was really supposed to represent corn. Today I would find it way too sweet, like jelly beans. Like Diana, somewhere along the way I lost my sweet tooth.
ReplyDeleteJelly beans are too sweet? Well, I never thought about that, but yes.. the big chunky ones. But those new little ones-- those are delish. And Jelly Bellys are made by the same company that makes candy corn! Whoa.
Delete😊
DeleteYou should take a tour of the Jelly Belly factory when you’re next in Northern California ( Fairfield)! Or, Wisconsin Or Illinois—tour includes samples (!)
DeleteFun facts from Hank! Yes, the shelf life of some of those things is horrifying (um, Peeps, anyone?). Unlike others, I haven't lost my sweet tooth, but I have gained some, well, taste. Except, even though I try to save my calories for really, really good candies and desserts, I hope I find a few mini Baby Ruths and Mr. Goodbars to indulge in before the turn of the month. It's an annual treat.
ReplyDeleteOf course I eat candy corn one color at a time, how can you even ask? And the perception is that they taste different from each other.
Peeps today, Peeps tomorrow, Peeps forever! Although my favorite green ones have been discontinued. Thanks for the smiles, Edith. Elisabeth
DeletePeeps! I think they are horrible, but much fun to play with! ANd agreed, it completely feels as if they must taste different.
DeleteFun fact: When you try to pop those little kernels your spouse will make you be the one to clean up the mess in the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteHA! what a mess...
DeleteThank you, Hank. It was good to discover more space in my brain to hold this new knowledge of candy corn. Of course, it is eaten one color at a time…and the flavor of EACH COLOR to be separately savored. Happy Halloween 🎃🎃🎃 to all. Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteYes, you never know when you might need to know this stuff!
DeleteI may be the minority but I have never tried it. Did not see/get any candy corn in my Halloween haul growing up in Toronto.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the candy aisle next time you're in Bulk Barn.
DeleteSusan D
I won't get to a Bulk Barn before Halloween but thanks for letting me know!
DeleteHuh...truly, you are not missing much. They taste like wax. :-)
DeleteNibble on a candle and get the same result.... :-o
DeleteI'm not a fan either, though I love to use it for decorating a Halloween season cake:)
ReplyDeleteI agree...Candy corn are great for decorating Halloween goodies!
DeleteOh, yes, I can see that! xx
DeleteCandy corn 🌽 is one of those candies that I stopped eating in favor of chocolate right after childhood. As a kid, I definitely tried eating it one color at a time, realizing immediately that none of them were worth it. I did not know that candy corn contains artificial sweeteners. That makes future consumption a hard "no" since I occasionally have allergic reactions to them.
ReplyDeleteExactly! All the colors are the same and all are yucky.
DeleteI'm fascinated by this history of candy corn but it doesn't change my mind about them...I hate those little buggers ~ :o I remember stray ones used to make it into my trick or treat candy bag on Halloween night and I always wondered who would throw just a few loose "kernels" into a kid's bag and think they would relish chewing on those waxy pieces of yucky-ness! Luckily, too, my mother always made sure that my trick or treat haul was a safe one and anything that was not a wrapped candy bar was immediately tossed. Your mention of the circus peanuts brings up fond memories of my father's "selective" candy choices over the years. He loved circus peanuts candy which always puzzled me. Why would anyone enjoy eating something that tasted like those styrofoam "peanuts" they used for packaging?!!! That choice along with "peach blossoms" and ribbon candy was high on his list of candy choices. Let's just say that Dad never had to worry any of his children would help themselves to his candy stash...haha. One sweet memory of my father and his taste in candy comes to mind, however ~ his love of individually wrapped butterscotch and spearmint hard candies that he would put in his railroad vest pockets for me to "find" as a child when he came home from work. He knew the second he hung up that vest I would go on a search. A lovely little tradition that was part of my childhood. Decades later I would find these hard candies everywhere for months after he had passed away. As if he had left reminders of our little candy hunts for me to remember him. It still brings tears to my eyes. I was most fortunate to have a very loving and supportive father. It's remarkable how tender memories like this can sustain one forever. One final thought. When I was a teenager one of my many part-time jobs was working at the Norwood Theatre. If I was not selling tickets I was behind the refreshment stand especially during children's matinees. They would come armed with enough mad money for treats to get them through most of the afternoon. Most is the key word here. By nearly the end of the matinee I would still get strays wandering up to the candy counter asking me what they could purchase with just a nickel left in their pockets. The answer? Those nasty little Necco Wafers. The desperate ones would cave and part with their last coin to buy a roll of that chalky candy. My apologies to Necco but they are almost as unappealing as candy corn....Almost.
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness, that is the sweetest story! Aww. ANd Neccos, yeah. A totaly mystery. What taste were they going for, I wonder?
DeleteHe was indeed the best! As for those Necco wafers your blog encouraged me to do some research about those chalky wonders. They have been around since 1847 (!), invented in New England and were produced by New England Confectionery Company (which explains the name Necco) in Revere for over a century. According to a Yankee Magazine editor early 20th Century explorers took them to the Arctic and the South Pole and the Army sent them to our WWII soldiers because the wafers did not spoil or melt. (What the heck are in those fossil-like wafers?!!!) The goal was to produce flavors that resembled fruit...orange, lemon, lime, etc...but for some reason they always stuck that one brown one in the roll that was suppose to taste like chocolate. As well as licorice and clove. (That's a big Nope!) The article also brought up the marshmallow circus peanut candy which alongside the Necco wafers usually ended up on the annual list of "What's the worst Halloween candy?" In 2018 the Necco Revere facility closed for good and everyone was laid off. Production was stopped ending the Necco Wafer's reign as... are you ready for this... the LONGEST-RUNNING, continuously produced candy in the Country! Spangler Company, who makes those Dum Dum lollipops, took ownership of the wafers and in 2022 they were back on the shelves of places like Market Basket at .99 per roll of candy. Original flavors, too. Bonus research ~ I found out that the NECCO Revere facility also produced the Sweetheart Conversation Heart candies as well as Canada Mints. (which I loved)
DeleteI think you came up with a fun blog today, HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN!!!
Such a fun post, Hank! I only found out the origins of candy corn in the last year or so. Just thinking about it makes my teeth hurt! In my young, far-off trick-or-treating days candy corn was the only candy that was not caramel or chocolate that I would eat.
ReplyDeleteHa! This is very important info!
DeleteLoved them, realized they were like actual corn kernels even as a kid, ate the whole thing--but won't eat them now--no xylitol for me, thank you! And my dad loved those circus peanuts!
ReplyDeleteWhat do those peanuts taste like? Like--orange?
DeleteLike styrofoam! :-)
DeleteThank you Hank.
ReplyDeleteAs I firmly believe that everyday you learn something new you don’t die: I won’t die today.
I didn’t even know that candy corn existed. Never saw or tasted one here in Quebec and I’m not sorry about it :)
Danielle
Happy to save your life! xoxoo
DeleteI liked candy corn growing up, but now it's just sweet and boring, although still pretty. I would eat it one color at a time for sure, but one piece would be enough for me I too was intrigued by the picture of the candy corns making an ear. It's good to know about dogs and candy corn, although my guest dog really gets to eat nothing except her kangaroo kibble and her kangaroo treats (the diet has really helped her gut) My neighbor's apple tree has been dropping apples in my yard, so I have been taking apples away from Rosie, although I'm pretty sure they aren't hurting her.
ReplyDeleteMaybe she things they are toys!
DeleteBTW: My late sister LOVED circus peanuts. They were served at the reception following her memorial service.
ReplyDeleteThat is so sweet---no pun intended. xxxx I know I have never tasted one....
DeleteAhhh candy corn. The official 10th circle of hell. Worst excuse for candy ever. The only thing that could make it worse is if they made it as a pumpkin spice flavor version. Which a quick google search says that Brach's does or at least did.
ReplyDeleteIt should be listed as a crime against humanity.
Ha ha tell us how you really feel, Jay!
DeleteYes, that is a waste of perfectly good sugar....
DeleteI liked candy corn as a kid but when I found out it is so unhealthy I stopped liking it. I'm more a chocolate candy fan. But, weirdly enough I also like hard candy cough drops! Cherry and eucalyptus flavor.
ReplyDeleteCough drops--just as candy?
DeleteThanks for all the information about candy corn, which is best eaten mixed with dry roasted peanuts. I remember liking circus peanuts long ago, but now they are a hard pass. Mostly now, if it isn’t chocolate it isn’t worth the calories and sugar intake.
ReplyDeleteOhhhh you ar right--I have heard of this. The peanuts get salt on the candy, which, I suppose, makes the candy have a taste.
DeleteI like candy corn. I can eat one, maybe two. Then the sugar reaction kicks in and that's it.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe that candy corn is even more disliked than candy kisses. Seriously. Oh wait, maybe those horrible, filling-destroying, globs of sugar and semi-soft toffee simply fell off the bottom of the scale years ago, and the current trick-or-treating generation (and their parents) never even came across them.
Susan, I thought candy kisses were the solid milk chocolates from Hershey. But your description doesn’t seem to be those. Further information please? Thanks, Elisabeth
DeleteAre you talking about the chewy globs wrapped in orange waxy paper peanut butter kisses ?
DeletePeanut butter kisses? Oh, the waxy ones with the white in the middle?
DeleteMy mom at this time of year would mix in a candy bowl , candy corn and Planter's Cocktail Peanuts. I liked and still do the salty and sweet blended together. I see the bags in store and immediately think of Planter's Cocktail Peanuts. I don't buy because of the sugar load and calories but it does tempt. Just thinking of circus peanuts makes my face wrinkled up. Ugh!
ReplyDeleteThat sweet and salty mix does sound tasty. Like others have mentioned, I have less of a sweet tooth than before.
DeleteYes, anything with peanuts is pretty delicious... Like DOTS with peanuts, yum.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI loved candy corn and still do. As a kid I would eat by color occasionally but never noticed a difference except the ones with the brown bottom I thought did seem chocolatey. I'd eat till the white ends and then stick them to my grunt teeth like fangs. I have a recipe to make homemade Butterfingers with them. Hot Tamales and circus peanuts are also great candies, alone or in something. We make a salad with circus peanuts that tastes like a orange creamsicle. Hot tamales or Red Hots make for an excellent cinnamon applesauce.
ReplyDeleteRed hots in applaesauce--my mother used to do that! I have not thought about that in years!
DeleteHank, you are such a joy! Who else could make candy corn actually interesting? Personally, I can't stand the stuff, but it was fascinating to see it stacked up looking like an ear of corn. Who knew? Ahh, the rabbit holes research can plunge you into! -- Victoria
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to try it in person. I really want to do it.... and aw, thank you. xoxox
DeleteI believe in NO colors at any time.
ReplyDeletePerfect!
DeleteI agree with Victoria that this was a fun rabbit hole you fell in, Hank! I ate candy corn (color by color) when I was a kid. My husband likes them so I usually buy the smallest bag I can find for him. We got back this morning after 1:00 a.m. from a two week vacation to Europe - my first! - and I am so far behind on buying any candy that I will have to pay full price now!! — Pat S
ReplyDeleteOoooohhh! First trip to Europe! I bet you have some wonderful stories and memories!
DeleteOh, welcome home! Tell us EVERYTHING!
DeleteI like candy corn but only in the fall. Brachs also has an autumn mix where the corn is brown, orange and white colors that Alicia wrote above.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have seen that--do those colors taste different?
DeleteMaybe. I should purchase a bag of each and do some research on each.
DeleteI quite like candy corn. Just a little too sweet for me. But one color at a time? That’s like me with gummy bears. I look for the green and yellow ones although essentially they all taste the same
ReplyDeleteYes, I think the gummy bears taste the same..but they must be a little different, mustn't they?
DeleteMy husband LOVES candy corn, and brings home the first bag he sees each autumn. I ate them as a kid, but as my sweet tooth waned and my tastes refined, I became entirely Team Dark Chocolate. Circus peanuts? They always seemed more like a science experiment.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what with happen to them in the microwave...
DeleteI don’t like candy corn! It surprises me that it’s still around!
ReplyDeleteDebRo
Good point!
DeleteCount me on the "Ugh" team! I didn't like candy corn even as a kid, and probably haven't touched it since! But you are clever, Hank!
ReplyDeleteHA! xxxx
DeleteI won’t eat candy corn even if it is the only candy in the house. My husband loves it and bought me candy corn 18k gold drop earrings made of Murano glass! I still won’t eat this candy as dark chocolate is my favorite! Alicia Kullas
ReplyDeleteOh, that's --almost-- hilarious. I have dahlias that are called candy corn, and they are gorgeous!
DeleteThose I would love!
DeleteAnother Indiana girl who never thought to stack it up as a cob.
ReplyDeleteRight? I am SO eager to try it!
DeleteI don't eat candy corn these days, and I never was a big fan of it, but I do remember eating it some as a kid. However, I've always preferred chocolate treats. I am rather fascinated that candy corn is still made and eaten by people, but it really doesn't taste awful, just not something I want to spend the calories on. I found a Food Network video of it being made at the Goelitz Candy factory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgTvgQfcllM
ReplyDeleteOh, that's wonderful--I will watch asap!
DeleteWe are in full party prsp mode here.
ReplyDeleteCandy corn tastes like wax to me. My new favorite Halloween candy is the miniature Reese's cup--in DARK chocolate. My middle daughter and I gobbled up all the ones I bought for the party, and I had to go to three stores to find more. Totally worth it.
My favorite Reese Halloween treat I are the white chocolate ghosts. I love white chocolate!
DeleteOh, the dark chocolate Reese's sound amazing. Kathy, we will have to talk...
DeleteI liked candy corn as a kid, but then I had a serious sweet tooth! I'd get the autumn mix and pick out pumpkins, corn, and Indian corn. Funny. They all taste the same.
ReplyDeleteYes, they do! xxx It's just a sugar transference mechanism. xx
DeleteI do eat candy corn one color at a time. I would not, however, have the patience to make the cob of corn! It is awesome that you can do that though!
ReplyDeleteIt is so amazing!
DeleteYou had me laughing out loud. Your commentary was THEE best!!! I knew part of the story but not the whole thing - so I thank you for that. I did eat those "kernels" as a kid - but not one color at a time. Nope - the whole kernel was popped in my mouth. As a matter of fact, it was usually two or three at a time. Today, I would eat a couple but stop at that. I readily admit - I do like candy corn. Thanks for doing such great research and sharing it with all of us!!
ReplyDeleteAwwww you are incredible lovely. Thank you thank you thank you!
DeleteAs a child, I was allergic to everything! However, candy corn, those awful marshmallow peanuts, ribbon candy, necco wafers are all virtually sugar and water. I could eat those. So I have a soft spot for them and resulting eating issues that you can imagine. Love me a handful of candy corn!
ReplyDeleteAre the little pumpkin candies the same thing as candy corn but poured into a different mold? I kind-of love them. In moderation because they're probably just corn syrup. I wish I could buy like 3 of them and not 100.:)
ReplyDelete