Taffy is a chewy candy that has been enjoyed for centuries. It comes in a variety of flavors and colors, and its soft and stretchy texture makes it a favorite among candy lovers. However, one type of taffy stands out from the rest: salt water taffy. In this blog post, we will explore the history and origin of salt water taffy and why it's called "salt water."
What is Salt Water Taffy?
Salt water taffy is a type of taffy candy that is made with sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, and flavorings. The candy is boiled and then pulled and stretched until it becomes soft and chewy. It is then cut into small pieces and wrapped in wax paper.
The History of Salt Water Taffy
The history of salt water taffy is shrouded in legend and folklore. The most popular story dates back to the late 1800s, when a major storm flooded the boardwalks in Atlantic City, New Jersey. As a result, many candy stores were flooded with salt water from the ocean.
Legend has it that one candy store owner, David Bradley, decided to sell his flooded taffy as "salt water taffy." He marketed the candy as a unique treat that was made with salt water, and it quickly became a hit among tourists.
Another theory is that the name "salt water taffy" was simply a marketing ploy. Candy store owners in Atlantic City wanted to create a new and exciting candy that would attract tourists to their stores. They decided to market their taffy as "salt water taffy" to make it sound exotic and unique.
Regardless of how it got its name, salt water taffy became a popular treat in Atlantic City and soon spread to other parts of the country.
Why is it Called Salt Water Taffy?
Despite its name, salt water taffy does not actually contain salt water. In fact, most salt water taffy recipes call for regular tap water. So why is it called "salt water taffy?"
As mentioned earlier, the name "salt water taffy" was likely a marketing ploy. Candy store owners in Atlantic City wanted to create a candy that was unique and exotic, and marketing it as "salt water taffy" helped to achieve that goal.
However, some candy makers do add salt to their taffy recipes to give it a slightly salty taste. The salt helps to balance the sweetness of the candy and gives it a unique flavor.
Conclusion
Salt water taffy is a unique and delicious candy that has been enjoyed for over a century. While the origins of its name are shrouded in mystery, one thing is for sure: salt water taffy is a sweet and salty treat that is loved by candy enthusiasts all over the world. Whether you enjoy the classic flavors of vanilla and chocolate or the more exotic flavors like sour apple and watermelon, salt water taffy is a candy that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
