Craving something sweet? Jump to my 5 favorite orange candies!
Candy, in its various forms and flavors, has a unique ability to evoke nostalgia and delight in people of all ages. Among the vast spectrum of candy flavors, the tangy and refreshing taste of orange holds a special place. The history of orange-flavored candy is a story of innovation, cultural influences, and the enduring appeal of citrus. Let's embark on a 1000-year journey through time to explore the fascinating history of orange-flavored candy, from its ancient origins to its modern-day popularity. Here we go!
The use of citrus fruits, including oranges, in candies can be traced back to ancient civilizations. In China, as early as the Tang Dynasty (7th to 10th centuries AD), there are records of candied citrus peels being made. These candied peels, often flavored with honey or sugar, were considered delicacies and were used for both their sweet and medicinal properties.
The Middle East also played a significant role in the early history of citrus candies. In the medieval Islamic world, sugar was refined and used extensively in culinary applications. Arab confectioners developed techniques to candy citrus fruits, preserving them with sugar syrup. These candied citrus fruits, known as "qand," found their way into the courts of Europe through trade routes, where they became highly sought-after delicacies.
The Renaissance period marked a significant shift in the history of orange-flavored candy, as fresh oranges began to arrive in Europe from their native Southeast Asia. Initially, oranges were a luxury fruit, enjoyed by the wealthy and nobility. However, as their cultivation spread across Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy, oranges became more accessible to a broader range of people.
The arrival of fresh oranges in Europe opened up new possibilities for confectioners. They began to experiment with candying whole orange slices and segments, creating a more vibrant and intense citrus flavor. These candied oranges were enjoyed on their own and used as ingredients in various sweets and desserts, laying the foundation for the popularity of orange-flavored candies in the centuries to come.
The 19th century saw significant advancements in candy-making techniques, and this period marked the birth of orange-flavored hard candies as we know them today. Confectioners in England and France developed methods to extract and concentrate the essential oils from oranges, allowing for the creation of intensely flavored orange candies.
One notable innovation during this time was the creation of orange drops, hard candies made by boiling sugar and orange essence. These candies were shaped into small, translucent drops, often coated in powdered sugar. Orange drops were praised for their vibrant taste and portability, making them a favorite among travelers and soldiers. They provided a burst of citrus flavor during long journeys and became a symbol of comfort and familiarity.
As European immigrants brought their confectionery traditions to the United States, orange-flavored candy found a new home. American candy makers embraced the tangy allure of orange and incorporated it into their creations. One iconic orange-flavored candy that emerged during this time was the Orange Creamsicle. Created in the early 20th century, the Orange Creamsicle featured a creamy vanilla center coated with a sweet and tangy orange-flavored shell. This frozen treat quickly became a beloved classic, especially during the hot summer months.
The mid-20th century marked an explosion in the production and popularity of orange-flavored candy. This era was characterized by economic prosperity, leisure time, and a growing fascination with citrus flavors. Orange-flavored candies, including gummies, hard candies, and taffies, became staples in candy shops and supermarkets.
One iconic orange-flavored candy that gained immense popularity during this period was the orange jellybean. Jellybeans were already a well-established candy, but the introduction of the orange flavor added a refreshing and zesty twist to the assortment. These small, chewy candies were often enjoyed during holidays, especially Easter, when they were included in colorful baskets.
In the contemporary candy landscape, orange-flavored candy remains a beloved classic. Its versatility is evident in the wide range of orange-flavored confections available today, from orange-flavored chocolate to orange-infused gummies and taffies.
One notable development in recent years is the fusion of orange with other flavors to create innovative and exotic candy experiences. For example, the combination of orange and chocolate in the form of Terry's Chocolate Orange and chocolate-orange truffles have become popular worldwide. Additionally, orange and spice-infused candies, inspired by traditional holiday flavors, offer a warm and comforting taste sensation.
Orange-flavored candy has left a significant mark on popular culture. Its vibrant color and zesty flavor make it a symbol of energy and excitement. Orange candies often appear in literature, film, and television as representations of joy and enthusiasm.
One iconic example is the character Willy Wonka from Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," who famously introduced the Everlasting Gobstopper, a candy that changes flavors and never gets smaller. The vivid and ever-changing flavors of the Everlasting Gobstopper, including orange, capture the whimsical and magical nature of candy in our cultural imagination.
In the 2007 film "Juno," Paulie Bleeker enjoys orange Tic Tacs throughout the movie. These candies become a recurring motif representing Juno's relationship with Paulie.
Orange-flavored candies are also associated with holidays and celebrations. Orange jellybeans and candy corn are often featured in Halloween-themed candies, while orange slices and taffies are enjoyed during Christmas and Easter. These candies evoke a sense of nostalgia and joy, connecting people to cherished traditions.
The history of orange-flavored candy is a delightful journey through time, marked by innovation, cultural influences, and the enduring appeal of citrus. From its ancient origins in candied citrus peels to its modern-day presence in a wide array of confections, orange-flavored candy has captured the hearts and taste buds of generations. Its versatility and ability to evoke feelings of joy and nostalgia have solidified its place in the world of candy. As we savor a piece of orange-flavored candy, we can appreciate the rich history and cultural significance that have made this tangy and refreshing flavor a timeless favorite—a symbol of zest and delight.
You could say the market is saturated with orange-flavored candy — it's certainly one of the most popular candy flavors out there. Here are some of my absolute favorite orange-flavored candies!
• Terry's Chocolate Orange (Amazon): this is the epitome of the chocolate-orange combo — a truly delicious treat and wildly satisfying to smash open.
• Orange Creme Savers Hard Candy (Amazon): tastes just like a Creamsicle, but melts in your mouth, not in your hand (sorry, had to use the M&Ms tagline)!
• Sunkist Orange Jelly Belly Jelly Beans (Amazon): you know I'll recommend Jelly Bellies whenever I can, and this is no exception. I love the especially juicy orange flavor of these jelly beans, and their crunchy shell does not disappoint.
• Orange Slices Jelly Candy (Amazon): a classic gumdrop-like candy, these are my go-to option for adding a brust of citrus flavor to a candy mix.
• Orange Pez (Amazon): this is tied with grape for my favorite flavor of Pez!