National Taffy Day

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National Taffy Day
United States
National Taffy Day

When It Occurs

Every May 23rd

Timeline

Days Passed (874)

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Annually observed on May 23rd, National Taffy Day is a delightful occasion for indulging in a sweet treat with a history spanning at least 190 years, if not more. This traditional confection comes in a variety of colors and an array of flavors, including the well-known saltwater taffy—though it's worth noting that it doesn't actually contain ocean water but may include sea salt. Regardless of your preferred taffy variation, this day holds special significance for taffy enthusiasts, making it a date to mark on the calendar.

What is Taffy?

Taffy is a type of candy made by boiling sugar, butter, and flavorings together, and then pulling or stretching the mixture until it becomes aerated and soft. The pulling process incorporates air into the candy, giving it a light, chewy texture. Taffy is typically flavored with a wide variety of tastes, including fruity, minty, chocolate, and even exotic options like bubblegum or maple.

One of the most famous types of taffy is saltwater taffy, which is closely associated with American coastal cities, particularly in places like Atlantic City, New Jersey.

History of Taffy

The origins of taffy as a candy go back to the 19th century. Some of the key points in its history include:

  • Late 19th Century: Taffy started becoming popular in the United States, especially in coastal resort towns where candy shops began selling it as a local delicacy.
  • Saltwater Taffy: According to legend, the name "saltwater taffy" was coined in Atlantic City, New Jersey, when a candy shop owner’s store was flooded with ocean water. He jokingly offered his waterlogged taffy as "saltwater taffy." While salt is rarely used in the candy itself, the name stuck and has been used ever since to refer to the traditional taffy found in seaside candy shops.
  • Popularization: By the early 20th century, taffy pulling machines and penny candy stores helped spread the candy’s popularity across the United States. Taffy became a staple at fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks.

Taffy-Making Process

The art of making taffy involves a combination of chemistry and technique. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:

  1. Boiling: A mixture of sugar, butter, corn syrup, and flavorings is boiled to a precise temperature (around 250°F to 270°F) to create a thick, sticky base.
  2. Cooling: The mixture is then cooled down slightly before the pulling process begins.
  3. Pulling: The key step in taffy making is the pulling process. The warm taffy is stretched and folded repeatedly, which aerates the candy and gives it its characteristic chewy texture. This step can be done by hand or with a taffy-pulling machine.
  4. Shaping and Wrapping: Once the taffy reaches the right consistency, it is shaped into long ropes, cut into bite-sized pieces, and individually wrapped to prevent sticking.

Celebrating National Taffy Day

There are many fun ways to enjoy National Taffy Day:

  1. Indulge in Taffy: The simplest way to celebrate is by enjoying your favorite flavors of taffy. Many candy shops offer a wide variety of taffy flavors, and some online retailers provide specialty taffy from coastal regions.

  2. Make Homemade Taffy: For those who enjoy DIY projects in the kitchen, making taffy at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. All you need are basic ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, butter, and flavorings, and a bit of patience for the pulling process.

  3. Visit a Candy Shop: If you’re near the coast, or if there’s a local candy shop that specializes in taffy, take a trip to pick up some freshly made taffy. Many stores will even allow you to watch the taffy-pulling process live.

  4. Share Taffy: Buy or make extra taffy and share it with friends, family, or co-workers. The individually wrapped candies make for a perfect treat to distribute to others.

  5. Learn Taffy History: Dive into the history of taffy, particularly its association with American seaside towns. Some candy shops and museums offer fascinating insights into how this candy has been produced and enjoyed over the years.

Fun Facts About Taffy

  • Saltwater taffy doesn’t actually contain saltwater. While the name suggests otherwise, the "saltwater" aspect refers to its association with coastal towns, not to the ingredients used in the candy.
  • The pulling process is essential for taffy’s texture. Without pulling, the taffy would remain dense and hard, rather than light and chewy.
  • Taffy comes in countless flavors, from traditional ones like vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate to more exotic or unusual options like watermelon, root beer, and cotton candy.
  • Taffy-pulling machines became common in candy shops in the early 1900s, allowing mass production of taffy and increasing its popularity.

Conclusion

National Taffy Day is a sweet and playful celebration of one of America’s favorite candies. Whether you indulge in your favorite flavor, learn to make your own, or share a piece of taffy with someone, it’s a day to appreciate the nostalgic joy of this timeless treat.