Toffee apple

Toffee Apple

A Toffee Apple, also known as a Candy Apple in North America, is a sweet treat commonly associated with Halloween and Bonfire Night. It consists of a whole apple covered in a hard toffee or sugar candy coating, with a stick inserted as a handle.

History

The toffee apple's origins can be traced back to the early 20th century. American candy maker William W. Kolb is credited with inventing the candy apple in 1908. However, the tradition of coating fruit in sugar syrup can be traced back even further, to the 19th century in the Middle East.

Preparation

To make a toffee apple, a whole apple is skewered with a stick, then dipped in a hot toffee mixture until it is fully coated. The toffee is typically made from sugar, corn syrup, water, and a little vinegar. Once the apple is coated, it is left to cool and harden before it is ready to be eaten.

Variations

There are many variations of the toffee apple around the world. In the United States, the candy apple is often coated in a cinnamon-flavored red syrup. In the United Kingdom, toffee apples are typically made with a hard toffee coating. In Japan, a similar treat called ringo ame is made with a transparent, almost glass-like candy coating.

Cultural Significance

Toffee apples are a popular treat at fairs and carnivals, and are particularly associated with autumn and winter celebrations such as Halloween and Bonfire Night. They are also used in some traditional games, such as apple bobbing.

Health Considerations

While the apple at the center of a toffee apple is nutritious, the toffee coating is high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation. There have also been safety concerns about the sticks used in toffee apples, as they can be a choking hazard for young children.

See Also

• Caramel Apple
• List of apple dishes
• List of desserts