Fresh from my yearly visit to the NC State Fair and still basking in the glory that is my (soon-to-be short-lived) collection of candy apples, I thought I'd pass along some of my candy apple wisdom and newly acquired historical information about this delectable treat.
A Bit of History
Candied fruit has a long history. In ancient times honey and sugar were used as preserving agents and the practice of coating fruit in a simple sugar syrup was a means of extending the edible life of the fruit, and made a pretty sweet treat to boot.
In the British Isles candy apples are known as toffee apples and usually a treat enjoyed in honor of Guy Fawkes Day (Nov 5). Here in the U.S. they are most often enjoyed as a Halloween treat. Prime apple season is September to October and the tradition of enjoying apples and fresh-pressed cider dates back to pagan times when the end of harvest was celebrated by feasting on late harvest products.
The first red-tinted candy apple we know and love so well (okay, that I love so well) is attributed to candymaker William W. Kolb who in 1908 was experimenting with a red cinnamon Christmas candy and dipped some apples into it to display in his store.
A Bit of Wisdom
Whether making candy apples or purchasing them ready-made, here are a few K2 tips to keep in mind for the perfect candy apple eating experience.
* Because the candy is a crunchy hard product, you really want a softer apple on the inside to create the perfect eating balance. Best to go with a more mealy apple like Golden Delicious or Red Delicious. I have tried candy apples with a Granny Smith on the inside, but that's just leaving yourself open to double jeopardy on the hard-to-bite-into factor. On the other hand, Granny Smiths are GREAT for caramel apples because you get the blend of warm creamy caramel with cool crunchy apple, something you can really sink your teeth into.
* You want to look for candy apples with a thin, light candy coating, and if you can find one with some bubbles in it even better. The reason being that if the candy coating is too thick it will (1) possibly break your teeth trying to bite through it and (2) actually be more like toffee which will serve as a red adhesive and then you'll have to spend all your time pulling your teeth free. If you have one with bubbles, you can break them and it will give you little grooves to dig your teeth into.
* For easy eating access, if you bang your apple on the counter once or twice it will create fissures or cracks into which you can sink your teeth. Just don't hit it too hard or on anything that might break instead of the candy coating.
* When buying 3 or 5 or say, 7 apples at the Fair that you don't intend to share with anyone, it's best to buy them from different vendors. That way, when you get home and start eating them, if you come across an apple that's less than the absolute perfect candy apple consumption experience, you know there may be a better one to look forward to in the collection. Oh, and make sure to mark them so how so you know which came from the same vendor.
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