Caramel candy is a beloved confection with a rich and somewhat mysterious history. Its origins are believed to trace back to around 1000 AD, possibly with Arab confectioners who boiled sugar and water into a hard, crunchy sweet. Initially, these early forms might have been used for medicinal or even cosmetic purposes before evolving into edible treats.
The word caramel likely stems from the Spanish "caramelo" or Latin roots related to "sugar cane" and "honey." The chewy, softer caramel we know today, incorporating milk or cream and butter, largely developed in the 19th century as sugar became more accessible. Iconic companies like Milton Hershey's Lancaster Caramel Company in the late 1800s played a significant role in popularizing caramel candy, establishing it as a sweet staple worldwide.
