Cotton Candy: The History of This Tasty Treat

When I was a child, one of my favorite treats at the local fairs was cotton candy. When I became old enough to realize that this confection is made of a hundred percent pure sugar, I moreless gave it up in favor of chocolate treats.

Cotton candy has a history that goes back far, far beyond my childhood days. In fact, two men named John Wharton and William Morrison invented the first electric cotton candy machine and patented it in 1899. The manufacturing concept was simple: their machine melted the sugar down and then spun it around rapidly. The result was a light, airy, threaded candy that was originally called, "Spun Sugar" or "Fairy Floss." The finished product was twirled onto a stick or paper cone so it could be held and eaten with a minimal amount of mess.

To make the sweet confection more appealing to the eye, food coloring was then added to it. Plus, flavorings have also been added.

Soon after Wharton and Morrison invented their cotton candy machine, a man named Thomas Patton secured a patent on a different way to make the sugary confection. Instead of melting the sugar, Patton caramelized it. He then formed light threads by using a fork.

Spun Sugar, or Fairy Floss, made its first public appearance at the Paris Exposition in 1900. From then, in 1920, its name was changed to "cotton candy." Cotton candy has since become an American favorite at amusement parks, fairs, carnivals, and circuses. It's most often seen in pink or blue colors.

You don't have to wait until fair season to enjoy this age-old treat at home. You can easily make your own cotton candy, and it's not that hard to do. Your kids or grandchildren will have a great time helping you too!

Just be sure that you make it on a day that the weather is cool and dry. Cotton candy is, of course, made from sugar. The sugar will absorb moisture from the air. This absorption will result in a sticky, melted mess.