Candy Canes- Old and New

These sweet holiday candies; once called "candy crooks" were invented during the 17th century. The canes were made by hand and only were white in color. The canes were used to decorate Christmas trees and help keep small children quiet during ceremonies. In 1950 a machine was invented to automate the candy production. Candy canes increased in popularity and are still a favorite holiday treat and decoration today.

Today candy canes are available in many different shapes, colors (they usually reflect the canes flavors), sizes (between 2 and 12 inches in length) and flavors. The flavors number many. Some flavors of today are; pineapple, chocolate mint, mixed berry, watermelon, butterscotch, caramel corn, wintergreen, cinnamon, pina colada, tutti fruiti, cappuccino, coconut, blueberry, peppermint, green apple, orange, strawberry, cherry, bubble gum, and raspberry.

Each year 1.76 billion candy canes are made. That is enough candy canes to stretch from Santa Clause, IN to North Pole, AK and back again 32 times.