Introduction
Salt water taffy is a popular candy that has been enjoyed by generations of Americans and visitors to the United States. It’s a type of soft, chewy candy that’s known for its sweet taste and unique texture. But what many people find most intriguing about salt water taffy is its name. Why is this sweet candy called salt water taffy? In this article, we’ll explore the origins and history of this tasty treat, and reveal how this name came to be.
The Salty Secret Behind Salt Water Taffy’s Name
The name “salt water taffy” might seem odd at first, since most people associate salt water with the ocean, rather than candy. But the truth is that salt water is a key ingredient in the preparation of this candy. Traditionally, salt water taffy was made by mixing sugar, cornstarch, glycerin, and flavorings with salt water from the Atlantic Ocean. This helped to give the candy its distinctive texture and flavor.
From Atlantic City to Your Taste Buds: The History of Salt Water Taffy
Salt water taffy has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the late 19th century. The original recipe for salt water taffy is said to have been created in the late 1800s by David Bradley, a candy maker from New Jersey. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that salt water taffy became widely popular, particularly in the resort town of Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Atlantic City was a popular destination for beachgoers and tourists in the early 20th century, and salt water taffy quickly became a favorite treat among visitors. Many candy makers set up shop in the city, and it wasn’t long before salt water taffy was being sold on nearly every corner. The candy became so popular that it was often referred to as the “official souvenir of Atlantic City.”
As more and more people tasted salt water taffy and fell in love with its sweet and salty flavors, its popularity spread beyond Atlantic City. Today, you can find salt water taffy in candy stores across the country, and it remains a beloved candy for people of all ages.
What’s in a Name? The Origin Story of Salt Water Taffy
The origins of the name “salt water taffy” are a bit of a mystery, with several different theories circulating. One popular theory is that the name “salt water taffy” was coined by candy maker Joseph Fralinger in the late 1800s. Fralinger began selling salt water taffy in Atlantic City, and as the story goes, he used the name to distinguish his candy from other taffy varieties that were made with fresh water instead of salt water.
Another theory suggests that the name “salt water taffy” may have originated as a marketing ploy by candy makers in Atlantic City. By associating their candy with the nearby Atlantic Ocean, they may have hoped to make it more appealing to tourists and beachgoers.
Regardless of its exact origins, the name “salt water taffy” has become synonymous with this sweet treat.
The Science of Salt Water Taffy: Why It’s Called What It Is
While the name “salt water taffy” might seem like a straightforward description of the candy’s primary ingredients, there’s actually a lot more to this candy than just sugar and salt water. The ingredients in salt water taffy are carefully chosen and combined in specific ways to create its texture and flavor.
In addition to sugar and salt water, which serve as the base of the candy, salt water taffy typically includes cornstarch and glycerin. Cornstarch helps to thicken the candy and give it a chewy texture, while glycerin helps to keep the candy soft and prevents it from hardening over time. Flavorings, such as fruit extracts or artificial flavors, are also added to give the candy its delicious taste.
The science of salt water taffy is complicated, and candy makers spend years perfecting their recipes and techniques. But the result is a candy that’s unlike anything else out there, with a unique texture and flavor that’s impossible to resist.
Candy by the Sea: Exploring the Lore of Salt Water Taffy
Over the years, salt water taffy has become more than just a candy—it’s also a symbol of the culture and traditions of the Atlantic City region. The candy has inspired countless stories, legends, and myths, and its unique history has become a source of pride for locals and visitors alike.
One popular story involves a young girl who was trying to buy some taffy from a candy store in Atlantic City. When a wave washed over the boardwalk and soaked all of the candy, the little girl exclaimed, “It’s all salt water taffy now!” The name stuck, and the candy has been known as salt water taffy ever since.
Another legend involves a group of fishermen who accidentally dropped a bag of taffy into the ocean. When they retrieved the bag, they found that the salt water had caused the candy to become soft and chewy. This discovery led to the creation of salt water taffy as we know it today.
Unraveling the Mystery of Salt Water Taffy’s Name: A Sweet Investigation
So why is it called salt water taffy? The truth is that no one really knows for sure. The name could have originated for any number of reasons, from its association with the Atlantic Ocean to a clever marketing ploy by early candy makers. But the mystery of its name is part of what makes salt water taffy so special. It’s a candy with a unique history and a rich tradition, and its name is just one small part of that story.
Whether you’re enjoying a piece of salt water taffy on the boardwalk in Atlantic City or in a candy store across the country, one thing is for sure: this candy is a true American classic, and its legacy is sure to endure for generations to come.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored the origins and history of salt water taffy, and discovered the science behind its unique texture and flavor. We’ve learned about the various theories surrounding the candy’s name, and explored the myths and legends that have grown up around it over the years. Ultimately, the mystery of its name is just one part of what makes salt water taffy such a beloved candy. Its sweet and salty flavors, chewy texture, and rich history make it a treat that people of all ages can enjoy for years to come.