Cotton candy

Cotton candy (also known as fairy floss in Australia and candy floss in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa) is a form of spun sugar. The confection is made by heating and liquefying sugar and spinning it out through tiny holes where it solidifies in midair and is collected on a larger spinning cone.

History

The concept of spun sugar has been around since the 15th century. However, the invention of machine-spun cotton candy is credited to William Morrison and John C. Wharton, candy-makers from Nashville, Tennessee, USA, who introduced their "Fairy Floss" at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri.

Production

Cotton candy is made by heating and liquefying sugar, then spinning it out through tiny holes where it solidifies in midair and is collected on a larger spinning cone. The process requires specialized equipment, typically a cotton candy machine, to produce the candy's distinctive light, fluffy texture.

Consumption

Cotton candy is often consumed at carnivals, circuses, and fairs. It is sold in plastic bags or on a stick or cone and is eaten by hand. Despite its airy texture, cotton candy is essentially pure sugar and should be consumed in moderation.

Varieties

While traditional cotton candy is pink or blue and has a simple sugar flavor, many different flavors and colors of cotton candy can be found today. Some popular flavors include bubblegum, watermelon, and grape.

Health concerns

As cotton candy is essentially pure sugar, it is high in calories and offers no nutritional value. Regular consumption can contribute to obesity and tooth decay.

In popular culture

Cotton candy has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and songs, often as a symbol of childhood innocence or the ephemeral nature of pleasure.

See also

• List of desserts
• List of candies
• Sugar