Polkagris

Polkagris

Polkagris is a traditional Swedish candy stick that originated from the town of Gränna. The candy is typically red and white striped, with a peppermint flavor. The name "Polkagris" translates to "Polka pig" in English, with "polka" referring to the dance and "gris" meaning pig.

History

Polkagris was first made by Amalia Eriksson in 1859, after she was widowed and needed a way to support herself and her daughter. She received special permission from the city to make and sell the candy, which quickly became popular. Today, the candy is still made in Gränna, with many shops in the town dedicated to producing and selling Polkagris.

Production

The production of Polkagris involves boiling sugar, vinegar, and peppermint oil together until it reaches the right consistency. The mixture is then pulled and stretched until it becomes white, with red dye added to create the traditional stripes. The candy is then cut into sticks and left to harden.

Cultural Significance

Polkagris is a significant part of Swedish culture, particularly in the town of Gränna. It is often associated with Christmas and is a popular souvenir for tourists. The candy is also used in the annual Polkagris competition in Gränna, where participants compete to make the largest Polkagris.

See Also

• Swedish Cuisine
• Gränna
• Amalia Eriksson

References

• Swedish National Encyclopedia
• Gränna Museum