Rock candy is made by combining water and sugar to form a super saturated sugar solution, which is left to evaporate and form crystals on a stick or string. It can be flavored and colored, and is often used as a decorative garnish. Making rock candy at home is simple and popular among teachers and DIY enthusiasts.
Rock candy is candy made with large chunks of sugar grown on a string or stick. Because it’s made with pure sugar, this candy will be naturally clear and extremely sweet. It can be eaten plain, dissolved in sweet drinks or used as a side dish for desserts. Because the process of making rock candy is very simple, many people like to make it at home, and some teachers use it to demonstrate crystal formation to young students.
To make rock candy, water and sugar are combined to form a super saturated sugar solution. The solution is so high in sugar that it can no longer be dissolved in it, causing the added sugar to sink to the bottom. A crystal growing substrate such as a stick or string is lowered into the solution and left undisturbed for a few days to a week, allowing crystals to form on the substrate as the water evaporates. When the substrate is removed, it is covered in very large jagged sugar crystals.
Many people add food coloring to their rock candy to make it more visually interesting. Flavoring can also be added, for people who want to taste something other than pure sugar. Sticks of this type of candy are often available in candy shops and along seaside and similar vacation spots. Crystallized sugar is also sold in bulk for restaurant use as a decorative garnish.
To make rock candy, boil one cup of water and add two cups of sugar, stirring constantly and letting the mixture boil again. These amounts can easily be increased or decreased if desired, as long as the ratio is the same. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, pour the water into a jar and dip a string or stick it into it. If you want to add color or flavoring, do so after the sugar has dissolved but before pouring it into a jar. Once the rope is saturated, pull it out and let it dry. This will create seed crystals, which will allow the sugar crystals to be larger and more uniform.
Once the stick or string has dried, dip it back into the jar of dissolved sugar and let it sit until large crystals form. Try to avoid moving or pushing the jar, as this can stop the crystals from forming. Once large crystals have formed, the rock candy can also be removed from the jar and served or wrapped in wax paper for later consumption.
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