'Tis the Season for Candy Canes | Snohomish Dentist

It’s the holiday season and it seems that everywhere we look, there is another occasion to enjoy various forms of sugary sweets. It could be a chocolate, or an egg nog, but there is one candy confection that is the centerpiece of the holiday – the classic candy cane. Yes, the candy cane has been decorating our trees for centuries. In fact, they even have their own day on December 26th. But where did the candy cane come from? And why are they only enjoyed at Christmas?

While there are plenty of stories that date back as far as 1866 that included the candy cane, there really isn’t any documented proof of where and when the candy cane was created. But we do know that candy canes have been hung from Christmas trees as early as 1882. So, in honor of National Candy Cane Day, let’s take a moment to pay homage to these striped sweets with these fun facts:

  • The average candy cane is 5 inches tall.
  • While most candy canes are far from sugar-free, they do not have any fat or cholesterol.
  • Striped red and white candy canes were first introduced in 1900.
  • The first machine to make candy canes was invented in 1921 by Brasher O. Westerfield. Until then, they were made by hand.
  • Traditionally the flavor for candy canes is peppermint, but now there are a variety of flavors.
  • Alain Roby, Geneva pastry chef, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest candy cane, measuring 51 feet long.

If you would like more information about candy canes, call Dr. Cindy Du, Dr. Joseph Szabo or Dr. Haines in Snohomish, WA at 360-568-8577 or visit www.duandszabo.com.

Drs. Du, Szabo & Haines proudly serves Snohomish and all surrounding areas.