Peppermint candy is a sweet confection that is flavored with mint, usually peppermint extract. It has a cool, refreshing taste and is often made into hard candy, candy canes, mints, or chewy candies. But what exactly goes into making that classic peppermint flavor?
Ingredients in Peppermint Candy
The main ingredients that give peppermint candy its signature flavor and texture include:
- Sugar – Granulated white sugar is the base of most peppermint candies. It provides the sweetness.
- Corn syrup – Corn syrup helps control the texture and moisture content of the candy.
- Water – Water dissolves the sugar and corn syrup to form a syrup.
- Peppermint extract or peppermint oil – This provides the distinct minty flavor. Peppermint extract contains the oils from peppermint leaves.
- Food coloring – Candy makers often add red food coloring to give peppermint candies their iconic stripes or swirls. Natural plant-based colors can also be used.
- Flavorings – In addition to peppermint, other flavorings like vanilla or wintergreen extract are sometimes added.
These simple ingredients are transformed into peppermint candy through stages of heating, mixing, coloring, flavoring, and shaping the syrup or dough.
The Candy Making Process
Here are the basic steps used to make peppermint candy:
- Sugar, corn syrup, and water are mixed together and cooked to a specific temperature. This forms a syrup.
- Peppermint extract, food coloring, and other flavorings are added when the syrup reaches the ideal temperature.
- The syrup is further cooked and then cooled to the optimal working temperature.
- For hard candies, the syrup is poured onto a cooled surface and pulled to aerate it as it crystallizes. It can then be shaped, cut, or molded.
- For candy canes, the syrup is poured into molds and allowed to cool. Candy canes have a distinctive minty flavor because the peppermint oil rises to the surface during cooling.
- Chews and mints are made by kneading peppermint flavored syrup or dough until it has the right texture, then cutting it into small pieces.
Timing, temperatures, and mixing techniques are all carefully controlled during candy making. This allows the characteristic texture, crystallization, and melt-in-your mouth quality of peppermint candy.
History of Peppermint Candy
Peppermint has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties as well as for flavoring. Records of ancient Egyptians and Hebrews mention peppermint. Mints and candies made with peppermint have also been popular for a very long time. Some key milestones include:
- 17th century – European herbalists begin recommending peppermint to treat chills, nausea, and digestive issues.
- 1800s – Candy canes are developed in Europe. One legend says they were created by a French priest to give to children during Christmas.
- 1880 – The first candy cane machine is invented, making large scale production possible.
- 1920s – Candy cane production in America takes off. The treats become a Christmas tradition.
- Today – Over 1.7 billion candy canes are produced annually. Other peppermint candies remain popular as well.
Peppermint candy has persevered over time because of its refreshing minty taste, nostalgic associations with the holidays and childhood, decorative shapes like candy canes, and natural settling properties that are said to aid digestion.
Common Peppermint Candy Types
Beyond candy canes, peppermint candies come in many shapes, flavors, and textures. Here are some of the most popular types:
Hard Candy
- Candy canes – Shaped like a shepherd’s crook and flavored with peppermint.
- Peppermint discs – Round, flat peppermint candies imprinted with designs.
- Candy sticks – Straight, stiff sticks flavored with peppermint.
- Peppermint bark – Dark or white chocolate layered with crushed peppermint candies.
Chews and Gummies
- Starlight mints – Pillow-shaped chewy mints flavored with peppermint.
- York Peppermint Patties – Discs of creamy mint filling enrobed in chocolate.
- Peppermint gumdrops – Chewy, gelatin-based candies flavored with peppermint.
Hard Candy and Chew Hybrids
- Candy canes with soft fillings – Candy canes with a peppermint flavored cream or marshmallow filling.
- Mint meltaways – Hard exterior shell, soft peppermint filling.
In addition to these popular commercial candies, creative candy makers also handcraft artisan peppermints like swirled lollipops, peppermint fudge, and mints shaped like leaves, snowflakes, or other holiday symbols.
Nutrition Facts of Peppermint Candy
Most peppermint candy has little nutritional value and is considered more of a treat than a healthy snack. Here is the basic nutrition information for peppermint candy:
| Nutrient | Amount in a 1 oz (28g) Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 96 |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Sugars | 21 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
As you can see, peppermint candy is almost entirely carbohydrates from sugar. It has no significant protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, or minerals. Candy is considered empty calories and refined sugar intake should be limited as part of a healthy diet.
Buying and Storing Peppermint Candy
You can find peppermint candy in the seasonal candy aisle at grocery stores and big box stores like Walmart and Target. It is available year round, but has the largest selection around the winter holidays.
For the freshest taste, look for peppermint candy with far away expiration dates. Check the packaging for signs of damage like stains, tears, or crushing that could indicate stale or poorly handled candy.
Store peppermint candy in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat to help it last. Heat and humidity can cause the sugar to start to crystallize or weep. An airtight container is ideal for storage. Properly stored, most peppermint candies will stay fresh for about 6 months.
Well packaged commercially made peppermint candy rarely spoils due to its high sugar content. However, if you notice weeping, grainy texture, white spots on the surface, or loss of flavor, it is best to discard the candy.
Fun Facts About Peppermint Candy
- Over 35 million pounds of candy canes are produced each year in the U.S. alone.
- Contrary to popular belief, candy canes were not designed to represent a shepherd’s crook or the letter J for Jesus. The curved shape was ideal for hanging on Christmas trees.
- The world’s largest candy cane was over 58 feet long and weighed over 600 pounds.
- December 26th is National Candy Cane Day in the United States.
- A study found that the scent of peppermint can improve focus and concentration.
- Peppermint candy is naturally gluten free and peanut free making it suitable for some allergy diets.
- Peppermint oil is added to chocolate to make mint chocolate candies like York Peppermint Patties.
Making Homemade Peppermint Candy
While buying pre-made candy is certainly the easiest option, you can also try your hand at making peppermint candy at home.
Here is an overview of the homemade candy making process:
- Make a simple syrup by bringing sugar and water to a boil, then reducing heat and simmering until thickened.
- Add corn syrup for chewier candy or cream of tartar for brittle candy.
- Flavor with peppermint extract or peppermint oil.
- Add food coloring.
- Allow to thicken then pour onto a greased pan or mold into shapes if making candy canes or other hard candy.
- For chews, pour syrup into a greased pan, allow to cool until set, then cut into pieces.
- Let candy fully dry for 12-24 hours to set. Wrap in cellophane or store in airtight containers.
Be very careful when cooking sugar syrups. Safety gear like long sleeves, an oven mitt, and utensils with long handles are recommended to avoid burns. Making candy can be dangerous for children, so adult supervision is a must.
Conclusion
With its refreshing minty taste and nostalgic holiday flair, it’s easy to see why peppermint candy remains a favorite sweet treat. Candy makers transform simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, peppermint oil, and red food coloring into an endless variety of hard candies, candy canes, mints, and chews.
While peppermint candy has little nutritional value beyond carbohydrates, it does provide a burst of sweet flavor. When enjoyed in moderation, it can be a nice seasonal indulgence. You can even try your hand at creating your own homemade peppermint candy for a fun holiday activity.