🤔 Today's Trivia Question:

Sweet Secrets: The Untold Story of Candy Corn's Journey Through Time

Correct Answer: D) Candy Corn

Candy Corn: A Sweet Journey Through History

Candy corn, a treat synonymous with Halloween and fall festivities, boasts a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Its inception is credited to George Renninger, an employee of the Wunderle Candy Company, who devised this unique confection. The treat gained further prominence when an entrepreneur from the Goelitz company began manufacturing it under the name "Chicken Feed" in 1898, reflecting the era's perception of corn as a non-human food.

Following World War I, the association of the candy with chicken feed remained, but its name evolved to "Candy Corn." By the early 20th century, it became a "penny candy," accessible and affordable for children. The tri-colored design of candy corn was considered innovative at its introduction, captivating the American public.

Candy corn's seasonal production is rooted in the historical lack of automated machinery to produce the candy year-round. This limited production to the end of August through fall, a tradition that continues to influence its seasonal popularity. The process of making candy corn was labor-intensive in the early 1900s, involving a mixture of corn syrup, sugar, marshmallow, and fondant cooked in large boilers.

Despite its divisive nature, candy corn remains a staple of Halloween treats, offering a taste far more appealing than its original "Chicken Feed" moniker suggests. Next time you encounter candy corn, consider its storied journey from a simple confection to a seasonal emblem.