Strawberry candy, a perennial favorite, often captures the essence of summer with its sweet and slightly tart profile. While fresh strawberries are delicate and seasonal, candy makers have mastered replicating their flavor, often using a blend of esters and other aromatic compounds to achieve that unmistakable "strawberry" taste. Interestingly, the vibrant red color of many strawberry candies often comes from natural sources like beet juice or carmine, rather than the fruit itself. The widespread appeal of strawberry flavor can be traced back to its perceived health benefits in earlier centuries and its generally pleasant taste. Popular examples include the classic individually wrapped hard candies, often with a creamy swirl, and chewy strawberry taffy, both delivering that familiar burst of fruity sweetness.
