The idea of a sweet treat was first invented by cavemen who ate honey from bee hives.

During ancient times the Egyptians, the Arabs and the Chinese prepared confections of fruit and nuts candied in honey.

In Europe during the Middle Ages, the high cost of sugar made sugar candy a delicacy available only to the wealthy.

Boiled sugar candies were enjoyed in the seventeenth century in England and in the American colonies.

Candy is made simply by dissolving sugar in water. The different heating levels determine the types of candy: Hot temperatures make hard candy, medium heat will make soft candy and cool temperatures make chewy candy.

Sweet-making developed rapidly into an industry during the early nineteenth century through the discovery of sugar beet juice and the advance of mechanical appliances. Homemade hard candies, such as peppermints and lemon drops became popular in America during that time.

By the mid-1800s, over 380 American factories were producing candy — primarily penny candy, which was sold loose from glass cases in general stores.

Source: National Confectioners Association/Chocolate Manufacturers Association