Cotton Candy

Introduction

Cotton candy, also known as candy floss (candyfloss) and fairy floss, is a spun sugar confection that resembles cotton. It usually contains small amounts of flavoring or food coloring.

It is often referred to as a carnival treat, as it is usually seen during festivals, carnivals or any celebration. Cotton candy is usually served in a stick, or a plastic bag.

How is it Made?

Typical machines used to make cotton candy include a spinning head enclosing a small "sugar reserve" bowl into which a charge of granulated, colored sugar (or separate sugar and food coloring) is poured. Heaters near the rim of the head melt the sugar, which is squeezed out through tiny holes by centrifugal force.

Basically, first, the sugar is poured into the center of a cotton candy machine, where things start heating up, literally! At around 160°C (320°F), the sugar melts into a thick syrup, breaking down into glucose and fructose molecules.

The machine spins really fast, creating centrifugal force that pushes the molten sugar through tiny holes, forming ultra-thin strands of sugary goodness. When these strands fly out of the machine, they cool instantly and solidify into fine, web-like threads.

ONE thing to note is that for this production colored sugar packaged specially for the process is milled with melting characteristics and a crystal size optimized for the head and heated holes; granulated sugar used in baking contains fine crystals which spin out unmelted, while rock sugar crystals are too large to properly contact the heater, slowing the production of cotton candy.

The molten sugar solidifies in the air and is caught in a larger bowl which totally surrounds the spinning head. Left to operate for a period, the cotton-like product builds up on the inside walls of the larger bowl, at which point machine operators twirl a stick or cone around the rim of the large catching bowl, gathering the sugar strands into portions which are served on stick or cone, or in plastic bags. As the sugar reserve bowl empties, the operator recharges it with more feedstock. 

Note, the product is sensitive to humidity, and in humid summer locales, the process can be messy and sticky.

Texture 

Cotton candy has its light, airy and melt-in-your-mouth texture because when it spins to form threads, those threads will enclose air between the gaps, making the fluffy sugary treat!

But, since it is very sensitive to humidity, heat and moisture may cause the air bubbles to collapse and lose its airy and fluffy texture, and become dense. Once it becomes dense, it will still melt in your mouth, but not as fluffy and airy as before.

Cotton candy has also transcended to art, as it allows to be mold into different fluffy shapes, which has become very popular nowadays.

Flavoring

Typically, cotton candy is just sugary threads, but there has been increasing variety by using different dyes and flavorings. The source material for candy mesh is usually both colored and flavored. When spun, cotton candy is white because it is made from sugar, but adding dye or coloring transforms the color. You could also add flavored dyes, adding hints of fun flavor to this already fun treat!

Cotton Candy- How Much to Consume?

Typically, cotton candy is considered a fun AND light dessert, but, still be wary! Even though cotton candy is mostly air, it is still sugar nonetheless, with approximate 28 grams of sugar per serving. As like most of any other dessert, it should be consumed in a reasonable amount. Over-consuming anything with pure sugar only will eventually lead to health risks, such as tooth decay.

HOWEVER, even though cotton candy in itself may be harmless, it becomes a risk when harmful dyes and chemicals are used. Aside from the white cotton candy, any other colored cotton candy typically has extra dyes and chemicals used to enhance its appearance, especially those bright, neon colored ones!

In recent years, many researchers have expressed concerns over the dyes and chemicals used in cotton candy, especially those sold at fairs and festival. The most pivotal of these concerns originated from India, where cotton candy was even banned with accusations of carcinogen containing chemicals being used in these pink sugary treats. So, always consume within reasonable amount from reliable sources!

Conclusion

We hope this helped you understanding this sugar cloud a bit better! Even one of the more simple looking desserts has a fascinating and complex chemistry that forms it. So, the next time this sugary treat melts in your mouth, take a moment to appreciate the science behind it!