You either love it or hate it, there’s little variance between the two. Candy Corn, some describe it as waxy and sickeningly sweet, and others just can’t seem to get enough of this seasonal treat. Whether handed out in small packets at Halloween or served in heaping bowls on grandma’s table, Candy Corn is an icon of the season, and you know that Autumn is here when it starts showing up. And besides, what’s autumn without candy corn? As Peeps are to Easter, (or candy canes are to Christmas) candy corn is to Halloween.
The “Corny” History of Candy Corn
Candy corn has been an all-American favorite since the late 1800’s, when George Renniger of the Wunderle Candy Company created this colorful confection to celebrate the beauty of corn, and the deep autumnal colors. During that time winter was a long and cold affair, with electricity not quite having come into common usage. The bright colors of these candies could last throughout, bringing both a visceral joy and a burst of much-needed sugar during the dark time of the year.
Candy corn was actually first marketed as “Chicken Feed” and the confection proved so popular that the conglomerate, the Goelitz Candy Company (sort of like a modern Brach’s), competed to take over mass-production of the seasonal sweet treat. Having won the rights to produce the candy, the company soon put the original name of “Chicken Feed” out to pasture … and Candy Corn was born! Today, the recipe for candy corn is pretty much unchanged from the early days. It’s still made from honey, sugar and corn starch — to provide lots of energy for trick-or-treaters revving up for fright night.
Did You Know…? Candy Corn Fun Facts
- One serving of candy corn contains only about 140 calories. And, hey — it’s fat free!
- Candy corn is not just for Halloween anymore. Brown, orange and white candy corn or “Indian corn” is available for Thanksgiving followed by red, green and white candy corn for Christmas and Red/Pink/White striped corn for Valentine’s Day.
- Along with Hershey’s chocolate and Snickers bars, candy corn makes the Top Ten list of most popular Halloween candies year after year.
- More than 35 million pounds of candy corn will be produced this year, or about 9 billion pieces!
How to Celebrate National Candy Corn Day
That’s easy. Eat lots of candy corn! Also be sure to have plenty on hand (in individually wrapped packages, of course) to give to little trick-or-treaters on the big night.
Of course, they’re are more ways to eat candy corn than by the mouthful. Add them as toppings to your favorite sugar cookie recipe or use them as a colorful decoration for chocolate Halloween cupcakes. For serious adult party-goers you might also want to check out this recipe for a candy corn cocktail made with vodka and candy corn garnish from the Food Network!
—
Photo Credit: Joko_Arifianto / Shutterstock.com