Beaches, boardwalks, blue skies, and hot temperatures are only some of the things we think about when we reach the summer. When I think of summer, I’ll admit all of these great things come to mind, but what else comes to mind? Salt Water Taffy.
My family visits Ocean City, New Jersey, almost every summer ("down the shore" is the official New Jersey slang), and each year we pick up a huge bag of the chewy, fruity, salty stuff. But is Salt Water Taffy the ultimate summer candy? I would say "yes" just based on its history, but I will let you form your own opinion.
Salt Water Taffy was originally produced in Atlantic City, New Jersey (Anyone going for the fourth of July? If so, I’ll see you there) starting all the way back in the 1880s. Although It was still a mystery when Salt Water Taffy was first invented, it was Joseph Fralinger, a businessman and successful confectioner, who took this summer treat to the proverbial next level.
Fralinger took over a small candy stand in Atlantic City and made his first batch of Salt Water Taffy. His original flavor was molasses which was so popular that he expanded his range to include chocolate and vanilla. His business was booming, and his next step was to turn these delightful cadies into souvenirs by way of a boxed presentation. But, as the Grateful Dead once said, " when life looks like easy street, you have danger at your door."
As the proverb goes, "necessity has long been the mother of invention," and a man named Enoch James realized that a huge selling point would be to find a way to change the formula, so the candy doesn't stick to the wrapper. He also found a way to make bite-size pieces and automate the pulling process. He also expanded the flavor range and gave Fralinger much-needed friendly competition.
Salt Water Taffy became synonymous with New Jersey - much like Bruce Springstein would later become - and became a classic candy one would find throughout the East Coast and, eventually, beyond. What is most amazing is that BOTH companies are still in existence to this very day!
Here's an interesting piece of trivia - Although commonly referred to as "saltwater," there is actually no saltwater in the formula. The traditional formula includes cornstarch, corn syrup, glycerin, butter, sugar, and a small amount of salt, the latter being used to enhance the flavors. The pulling process includes a technique to double fold the taffy making it lighter, chewier, easier to package, and just maybe a little bit easier on dental work.
Salt Water Taffy comes in a myriad of colors and flavors. Our assortment includes Bubble Gum, Cherry, Chocolate Raspberry, Blueberry, Cotton Candy, Grape, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Maple, Licorice, Pina Colada, Raspberry, Maple, Neapolitan, Peach, Tutti-Frutti, Watermelon, Spearmint, and Root-Beer.
Summer is here, folks, and the only way to embrace that is by chewing down on a box of Salt Water Taffy. Whether you are at the beach or in the backyard, Candyfavorites.com is ready to deliver a delicious box of chewy goodness to your door. All you need to do is click HERE.
