Halloween is observed and celebrated in different parts of the world. It is less popularly also called All Halloween, All Saint’s Eve, or All Hallow’s Eve. During the time of the liturgical year, 31st October is the day to remember the dead which includes all departed like martyrs or saints. It is widely celebrated in Ireland and Scotland and then slowly became popular in North America and other countries from the 19th to 21st century. A lot of special games, costume parties, and unique scary decorations or lighting became part of Halloween activities. Large size pumpkins were carved to make jack-o’-lanterns, and storytelling and lighting bonfire were also popularly included in Halloween activities.
Gummy or gummi candies are colorful, gelatinous candies available in different shapes and sizes. These candies were fruity and soft as fruit juices were used along with sugar which was also called cousins of jams or jellies. Haribo dominated the gummy market with gummy bears with quite popular innovations and then by 1982 also entered the American market. There are other producers of gummy candies and different fan bases in different parts of the world at present.
Apart from cakes, candies, and other food items, innovations in Halloween theme candies and food started flourishing. There were scary jelly eyes on a cake, or a scary hand, and more varieties of candies were prepared during Halloween. Apart from some rituals related to dead members, kids or young people visit houses in the neighborhood and share food or candies to celebrate Halloween. Sharing candies was also an attempt to boost the candy industry. One of the oldest candies shared during Halloween is candy corn which started during the 1880s.
More facts on Halloween candies
Candies, sweet treats, and gummies play an important role in Halloween, which started mainly in the 1950s. Earlier cakes and shortbread biscuits were popular and distributed to children and the poor. Apart from pumpkins, turnips and potatoes were also used to carve scary faces. Candy apples are also used in Halloween parties for a long time. Now during the 1880s candy corn arrived which looked like corn or chicken feed invented by George Renninger of Philadelphia’s Wunderle Candy Company. Slow and steadily Hershey’s kisses, chocolate bars, milky bars, Waldorf chocolates, and more occupied the market.
Along with these sugar candies and jellies or gummies also arrived in different varieties. These were easy to make at home as well.
Homemade gummy candy: A simple recipe
Well, there are a good number of varieties available in the market, but it is always fun to make some gummy candies at home. Let’s look at a simple recipe that can be easily prepared at home.
Ingredients
- Fruit juice (any flavor you like) 1 cup
- One tablespoon of honey or sugar syrup
- 4 tablespoons of gelatin
- Mold for any shape you want your gummies
Method
Heat the juice in a pan on medium flame. Add the honey and then gelatin. Mix thoroughly and remove from flame when properly dissolved. Now pour into the mold and let cool. It can also be refrigerated to solidify. Your fruity gummies are ready.
Conclusion
Whether it is Halloween or not, gummies are enjoyed all the time. It is popular among kids to adults from the oldest times known. New innovations are always giving us more varieties and options to enjoy. This is part of the tradition and also a huge industry worldwide. Whether you love different kinds of chocolates or not, these candies are totally different in terms of taste and flavor. It is an essential part of the innovative Halloween food industry. At last, it is always something that should not be consumed in high amounts for its lowest nutritional value and sugar content. Gummy candies consumed in moderate amounts are good for health and happiness.
Date:03/08/2022