Ever consumed barley sugar? One sweet delight that has been left out is a hard candy made by heating sugar, water, and cream of tartar. Once the mixture cools and sets up in molds, it is flavored with something like lemon juice or barley water.
You also could try the “Barley Salad “, and ” Cooking Barley“
Page Contents
What is Barley Sugar?
It is a type of hard candy that is manufactured from sugar, water, and barley extract. The sugar, which is offered in long sticks, is protected by using wax paper. The candy has a firm texture and a nutty taste. It has a distinct twist yet tastes comparable to caramel.
The History of Barley Sugar: Where Did It All Begin?
People have been using barley sugar since the 17th century, and it is believed that it first appeared in England. The candy was first marketed as a cure-all for coughs and sore throats and sold at apothecaries.
It soon gained popularity as a confectionary ingredient when people realized that it was equally as sweet as it was functional.
Barley Sugar: A Sweet Treat for All Occasions
One of the reasons why barley sugar has managed to stand the test of time is that it’s a sweet treat that can be enjoyed on different occasions.
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack after a long day or something to munch on while watching a movie, barely sugar has got you covered.
Barley sugar has been prepared for you whether you need a quick sugar fix after a hard day’s work or something to munch on while watching a movie.
Barley Sugar and Sports: The Perfect Combination
Believe it or not, it has a long history of being associated with sports. Back in the day, athletes used to eat barley sugar to give them an energy boost during long matches or races.
People also used candy to help prevent dehydration since it contained barley water, which is rich in electrolytes. Nowadays, vendors still sell barley sugar at sports events and marathons as a sweet pick-me-up for participants.
Barley Sugar: A Candy with a Cultural Connection
It isn’t just a delicious sweet treat; it also has a cultural connection. In France, it is known as “sucre d’orge” and is often given as a gift to new mothers to symbolize the sweetness of a new baby.
Scottish people often enjoy barley sugar as a traditional sweet treat during Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year celebration.
Making Barley Sugar: A DIY Guide
Alright, let’s get down to business and make some homemade barley sugar! This DIY guide is gonna be so easy, you won’t even need a candy thermometer. Here’s what you’ll need.
Ingredients
- Two cups of sugar
- A small amount of water
- A small amount of cream of tartar
- A quarter of a cup of water
Before starting, ensure that all ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Once we start cooking, we won’t have time to run around the kitchen looking for stuff.
Step 1: Combine the Sugar and Water
You need to combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Mix the sugar with a wooden spoon or a whisk after it has completely dissolved.
Step 2: Add the Cream of Tartar
The cream of tartar should then be added and mixed. This will make your barley sugar lovely and smooth and prevent the sugar from crystallizing.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
Cooking the mixture is now necessary. Set the heat to a high setting and allow the mixture to boil. Don’t disturb it; simply let it operate as it pleases.
Step 4: Add the Barley Water
When the mixture begins to boil, add the barley water and stir the mixture briefly.
Step 5: Continue to Boil
Let the mixture continue to boil until it hardens. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can determine when the combination is finished by taking a teaspoon and placing it in a basin of ice water. It hardens and fractures when it is prepared.
Step 6: Pour and Cool
Once it’s ready, remove the pot from the heat and pour the mixture into candy molds or onto a greased baking sheet. Let it cool and harden completely before you try to eat it.
Health Benefits
Rich in Fiber
Your health needs to have a good amount of fiber. It promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria and helps regulate bowel movements.
Lowers Cholesterol
Barley sugar’s high content of soluble fiber is known to reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Soluble fiber binds with bile acids in the gut, which are then excreted from the body, resulting in lower cholesterol levels.
Regulates Blood Sugar
Because of its low glycemic index, it doesn’t result in a sharp rise in blood sugar levels. For individuals with diabetes or those trying to control their blood sugar levels, it’s a great alternative.
FAQs
Yeah, barley sugar’s all good for vegans ’cause it doesn’t have any animal stuff in it. However, it’s important to check the ingredient list to be sure, as some people may use honey or other animal-derived flavorings in the candy.
If kept in an airtight container and kept in a cold, dry location, barley sugar can last for several months. Moisture or heat exposure can shorten the shelf life of the candy and make it sticky or brittle.
Despite its name, barley is not commonly used to make sugar. Nonetheless, certain brands could utilize flavorings that include gluten, such as malt or barley extract. For the best assurance that a product is gluten-free, check the ingredient list or get in touch with the producer.
Conclusion
Mixing sugar, water, and cream of tartar creates hard and unbending barley sugar. Folks all over Europe favor this goodie, and you can pepper it with flavors like lemon or peppermint.
It has little fat or salt and could give you an energy shot. If you crave something sweet or want to treat a sore throat, try barley sugar.
Just make sure you stash it in a sealed and sealed container in a chill, dry place to guarantee that it lasts as long as conceivable. If you’re a vegan or lactose intolerant, check the ingredients to confirm that the goods meet your dietary needs.
A few stories you might like to read are listed below.