What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you plan a weekend trip to Ocean City? Perhaps you’re daydreaming about a bucket of salty french fries drizzled with malt vinegar. Or maybe you’re craving a funnel cake topped with strawberries and powdered sugar. No matter your vice, Maryland residents can all agree that the quintessential Ocean City boardwalk experience isn’t complete without a box of salt water taffy.
The Origins of Salt Water Taffy
As with many wonderful inventions, the origins of salt water taffy are unclear. What we know for certain is that Joseph Fralinger popularized the candy by boxing it and selling it in Atlantic City. The delicious concoction is thought to have been created after an assistant substituted salt water for fresh water in the original taffy recipe.
When it was first made, taffy was cooked in copper kettles over open coal fires and cooled on marble slabs; it was then pulled from a large hook, aerating the corn syrup and sugar mix and keeping the candy soft. The taffy was then shaped by hand, cut into bite-sized pieces, and wrapped in small squares of wax paper.
The Evolution of Salt Water Taffy
Today’s taffy makers typically cook the ingredients in large stainless steel or copper kettles and then vacuum cook it a second time. The pulling and packaging are mostly done by machine with a few exceptions, allowing for faster production. Although a popular beach snack, the taffy is also sold throughout the United States and Canada.
Buy Three Pounds, Get One Free
At Wockenfuss, you can enjoy taffy all summer long by purchasing three pounds and receiving the fourth for free! Try all of our famous flavors, like banana, cherry, chocolate, lemon, lime, orange, peanut butter, strawberry, vanilla and root beer!
CELEBRATE WITH WOCKENFUSS
Since 1915, Wockenfuss has been a family owned and operated business creating the finest confections in Baltimore, Maryland. With our nine convenient locations throughout Maryland, there is sure to be a Wockenfuss store near you. Come visit us to see our selection of summer favorites such as our gourmet truffles & chocolate specialties.
We’d be happy to help you select the perfect sweet treat, whether for you or as a gift for a loved one. If you have any questions about our sweet seasonal candies, please contact Wockenfuss Candies by calling us at 1-800-296-4414 or emailing info@Wockenfusscandies.com. When you’re not savoring our sweets, stay satisfied by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest too!