Confectionology (CANDY) with Susan Benjamin

Update: 2024-10-23

Digest

This podcast episode delves into the captivating history of candy, guided by the expertise of Susan Benjamin, a renowned candy historian and confectiologist. The episode traces the evolution of candy from its prehistoric roots, exploring the use of ingredients like honey, waxes, and cane sugar, and highlighting the cultural significance of each. Susan examines the role of candy as a symbol of fun, love, and economic empowerment, particularly for working-class children. She also delves into the controversial history of candy and sugar, addressing accusations of its link to crime and hyperactivity, and exploring the complex relationship between sugar consumption and social structures. The episode further explores the diverse world of candy, classifying different types by purpose and consumer demographics, and delving into the history of specific candies like hard candies, sugar plums, Turkish delights, and gummy bears. Susan reveals the surprising sexual history of candy, highlighting how certain candies were associated with seduction and romantic gestures in Victorian culture. The episode also explores the history of chocolate, its association with virility and stamina, and the myth surrounding Montezuma's alleged consumption of chocolate to placate his wives. Susan discusses the role of sugar as a preservative in ancient times, highlighting the history of glassy candy and its connection to fruitcake. The episode examines the impact of Prohibition on the candy industry, highlighting how candy makers adapted by creating candies named after popular cocktails and how rock candy played a crucial role in alcohol fermentation. Susan discusses the history of candy cigarettes, their popularity among children as a proxy for adult behavior, and the evolution of these candies from chocolate cigarettes to bubblegum cigarettes. The episode traces the history of candy bars, from their use as rations during wartime to their evolution into energy bars, highlighting the versatility of candy and the blurring lines between candy and "healthy" food. Susan discusses the shift from cane sugar to corn syrup, exploring the reasons behind this change and the controversies surrounding high fructose corn syrup. The episode examines the abolitionist movement's "free products" movement, which boycotted goods made with slave labor, including cane sugar, and explores the alternative sugar sources used during this time. Susan delves into the history of candy corn, its origins as a treat marketed to rural populations, and its surprising connection to chicken feed. The episode discusses the polarizing nature of circus peanuts, exploring their history, their connection to Lucky Charms cereal, and the reasons behind their divisive flavor profile. Susan explores the history of Marzipan, its ancient origins in Roman culture, its association with almonds and fertility, and its modern-day use in sculpting. The episode discusses the history of sour candy, its medicinal uses, the science behind its sourness, and the potential risks of excessive consumption. Susan discusses the popularity of chocolate worldwide, highlighting the dominance of Hershey chocolate and debunking the myth surrounding Milton Hershey's supposed invention of chocolate. The episode reveals the real story of Milton Hershey, highlighting his dysfunctional family, his business acumen, and his philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of an orphanage and boarding school. Susan explores the history of whorehound candy, its medicinal uses, its bitter flavor profile, and the reasons behind its decline in popularity. The episode discusses the origins of blue raspberry flavor, highlighting its artificial nature and the marketing strategies used to associate the color blue with this flavor. Susan explores the history of licorice, its medicinal uses, its popularity in different cultures, and the reasons behind its divisive flavor profile. The episode debunks the myth that saltwater taffy contains salt. The origin story of the name is explained, tracing back to a candy company on the Atlantic City boardwalk that was flooded during a storm. The name stuck, despite the lack of actual salt in the candy. The episode discusses the discontinuation and subsequent return of popular candies like Atomic Fireballs and Jawbreakers. The reasons behind these changes are explored, including economic factors and the rise of new candy trends. The episode delves into the science behind sugar-free candy, explaining the use of sugar alcohols and their impact on the body. The potential downsides of sugar alcohols, including digestive issues and potential cardiovascular risks, are discussed. The episode addresses the question of finding healthier candy options. The speaker emphasizes the importance of moderation and suggests that candy should be enjoyed in a ceremonial way, rather than as a regular part of one's diet. The speaker shares their personal approach to Halloween candy, opting to avoid giving out candy altogether due to the abundance of treats available in their neighborhood. They also discuss the challenges of choosing candy for trick-or-treaters, especially as a candy expert. The speaker reflects on the best and worst aspects of their job as a candy researcher. They highlight the joy of sharing candy stories and connecting with people through their passion for candy. However, they also acknowledge the challenges of dealing with repetitive questions and the need to constantly find new and interesting stories to tell.

Outlines