sugarcandy

Sugar candy is a category of confectionery whose primary ingredient is sugar. In common usage, the term can refer to hard candies made by crystallizing sugar syrups, as well as rock candy, which consists of large sugar crystals grown on a surface. The category also includes other sugar-based decorations used in baking and desserts.

Most sugar candies are made by dissolving sugar in water and heating to create a saturated or supersaturated solution. When the solution is cooled and left undisturbed, sugar molecules begin to come out of solution and form crystals. For rock candy, a seed crystal or string is placed in the syrup so crystals grow outward into a larger crystal lattice over many hours or days. Some formulations use invert sugar or glucose syrups to influence texture and prevent unwanted crystallization.

Common forms include rock candy, hard candies such as peppermint or fruit drops, and decorative sugar crystals used to coat baked goods. Flavors, colors, and aromas are added to achieve varied tastes and appearances. The moisture content and additives determine texture, hardness, and shelf life.

Sugar candy is widely produced and consumed around the world. It is typically sold as individual pieces or in bulk and may be used as a candy, sweetener, or decorative element in desserts. Storage should be kept dry to prevent softening or clumping.