A lollipop is a type of confectionary that is popular with children. It is a hardened candy made with flavored sucrose and corn syrup. It is attached to the end of a small stick, to be licked or sucked. The lollipop is available in various colors, shapes, and sizes to attract young children. It is popular globally and is called by several other names such as lolly, sticky-pop, or sucker.
History of Lollipop
The history of lollipop is not very clear, although it is believed that it may have been in existence since the middle ages. It is also believed that lollipop in America was invented during the time of American Civil War (1861-1865). Interestingly, people of the Roma tradition made candy apples, where apples covered with a hardened sugar coating were mounted on a stick. The modern type of lollipop is said to be invented in 1908 by George Smith of New Haven, Connecticut. He made boiled sweets that were fixed to the end of a stick and named them after a famous racehorse of his time, Lolly Pop.
Ingredients Used and Popular Methods of Preparation
The lollipop recipe usually includes sugar, water, corn syrup, a flavor, and food coloring. Molds of different shapes and sizes are used to give the desired shape to this candy.
It is usually prepared in the following way:
- Sugar is dissolved into a mixture of water and light corn syrup.
- The mixture is boiled until it reaches 310 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once this temperature is reached, the candy mixture is removed from the stove.
- Flavor and food coloring is added to this mixture.
- The mixture is now poured into the mold.
- When the mixture cools a little, a short stick is inserted into the mold.
- Once the candy is completely cooled, it is removed from the mold with the stick.
Eating a Lollipop
The lollipop stick is held with the hand and the hard candy is licked, sucked, or bitten until it is finished.
Popular Lollipop Variations
The method of making the lollipop is almost the same, but it is available in attractive colors and shapes.
- Some lollipops have soft candy in the middle, while others may have non-edible centers such as a toy or a flashing light. The variations depend upon the creativity of the manufacturer.
- Flavored lollipops containing medicine are given to children to make them take the medicine without a fuss.
- Some types of lollipops are marketed as diet aids too.
Health and Nutrition Facts
A lollipop normally contains only carbohydrates unless it is made for diet or health purposes. Vitamin lollipops available in the market may contain vitamins as labeled.
Miscellaneous Facts about Lollipop
The Dum Dum Pop and the Chupa Chups were some of brands marketed in the early 1950s. A variety of different lollipop brands are available in the current scenario.
Lollipop Trivia
- The National Lollipop Day is celebrated on July 20.
- The world’s largest lollipop was made in 2002. It measured 15 feet tall, 18 inches thick, and weighed 4031 pounds.