Cotton candy and marshmallows have captivating histories and distinctive manufacturing processes. Let's delve deeper into their origins and production techniques.
Cotton candy is a traditional street food that was invented in the United States in the 1900s. Its popularity spread through events like the World's Fair, making it a beloved sweet treat around the world.
The origin of marshmallows can be traced back to 15th century Italy, where the Italians invented the first string dessert. They would melt sugar in a pan, swiftly stirring it to create sugar shreds. These shreds were then wrapped around small sticks, forming the early version of marshmallows.
However, back then, the production of this dessert was both time-consuming and complex, making it a delicacy enjoyed by only the privileged.
Modern marshmallows as we know them today were developed around the 1900s. Initially, they were considered an expensive treat that only the upper class could afford, remaining out of reach for the working class.
The mechanized process of making cotton candy was invented in 1897 by American dentist William Morrison and confectioner John C. Wharton. They designed a machine based on the principle of spinning sugar and patented it in 1899.
Their invention involved passing granulated sugar through a small hole, using centrifugal force to melt and rotate it. The result was the creation of fine sugar strands, which resembled silk. They named their invention "Fairy Floss" and showcased it to the public at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.
During the expo, the production of marshmallows was also demonstrated and quickly gained popularity. The novelty treat was sold for as much as 25 cents per cup. In the 1920s, "Fairy Floss" was renamed cotton candy.
Early cotton candy machines required the use of a foot pedal similar to a sewing machine, which needed continuous stepping to drive a small motor for producing cotton candy. However, in the 1970s, electric cotton candy machines began to appear, eliminating the need for manual operation.
The process of making cotton candy involves melting sugar at high temperatures (approximately 150 degrees Celsius or more) until it reaches a liquid state. The molten sugar is then thrown out through micro-holes on a high-speed rotating centrifuge.
Upon contact with the air, the sugar cools and solidifies into fine silk-like strands. These strands are pulled and wound into cotton candy fluff by the rotor rotating at high speed in the center of the machine. A bamboo stick is used as a center, around which the cotton candy is wound to create the final product.
Marshmallow production utilizes a machine resembling a large bowl. The machine features a heating chamber at its center, which operates at high temperatures to break down the crystal structure of sugar, transforming it into syrup.
The heating chamber has small holes that are smaller than the size of granulated sugar. As the sugar rotates within the heating chamber, centrifugal force propels the syrup through these small holes, causing it to condense into solid sugar shreds without sticking together.
Cotton candy and marshmallows have evolved over time from exclusive delicacies to popular treats enjoyed worldwide. Their manufacturing processes have undergone significant advancements, making them more accessible and enjoyable for people of all backgrounds.
