National Taffy Day

National Taffy Day might just be one of the sweetest days on the Days Of The Year calendar. Imagine a world where every chew is a nostalgic, sweet, and fun journey. That’s exactly what National Taffy Day is all about!

National Taffy Day comes every year. It’s a day dedicated to honoring one of the most beloved confections — taffy. Known for its chewy texture and myriad fruity and sweet flavors, taffy is not just a scrumptious nibble of candy. Instead, it is a time-honored culinary technique that has tickled taste buds throughout the generations.

History of National Taffy Day

The story of taffy, especially the wildly popular saltwater taffy, is as colorful as its many flavors. The humble beginnings of taffy can be traced back to the 19th century. The first mention of it in print appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1817. However, it was not until the mid-1800s that taffy really began to take off in popularity.

The evolution of taffy saw a significant milestone in the 1870s with taffy pulling, giving it its unique texture. But the most exciting urban legend in taffy history is how saltwater taffy got its name. Legend has it that in the 1880s, a candy shop on the Jersey Shore was flooded by a tremendous storm, soaking its taffy stock with salty Atlantic seawater. The owner was not thrilled to lose his precious inventory. So, with a sense of humor and business acumen, he began selling it as “saltwater taffy.” An American classic was born. Whether that’s true or not we will never know – but it sure makes a good story!

In the late 20th century, taffy saw another variation with the introduction of a new Laffy Taffy, a commercially-made and readily available candy shaped like a long cord, adding to the already diverse world of taffy varieties.

The first National Taffy Day was celebrated in the mid-1980s.

How to Celebrate National Taffy Day

Have a Taffy Pulling Adventure

Roll up those sleeves — it gets a little messy when diving into the world of homemade taffy. This adventure begins with selecting the main ingredients — sugar, cornstarch, butter, water, salt, and a dash of flavoring. The magic happens when cooking these ingredients together and pulling the taffy until it becomes aerated and stretches into that perfect chewy consistency. This process is as much about making memories in the kitchen as it is about making candy. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to engage some muscle — taffy pulling takes a surprising amount of arm strength.

Taffy Tasting Party

Transform the living room or backyard into a taffy-tasting haven. Lay out a spread of various taffy flavors. Think of classics like vanilla and strawberry, or serve up some crowd favorites like chocolate and peppermint. Throw in wild cards like banana, grape, or spicy cinnamon. Blindfold guests and let them embark on a sensory journey, guessing the flavors as they chew — enhance the experience with scorecards, awarding a taffy-themed prize for the most accurate palate. It’s not just a party; it’s a playful exploration of tastes and textures.

Taffy Art

Unleash that inner artist with taffy as a medium. This edible art form can be a fun activity for all ages. Use the vibrant colors of taffy to create everything from simple shapes and figures to elaborate mosaics and landscapes. The pliable nature of taffy makes it perfect for molding and shaping. Host a taffy art contest, or just enjoy creating something beautiful (and delicious). It’s a unique way to celebrate the versatility of this beloved candy.

Visit a Taffy Shop

Lucky enough to be near a place where taffy is made? Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this captivating process. Observing taffy being stretched and pulled on a taffy puller is entertaining and educational. Many shops offer a behind-the-scenes look at how taffy is made, from the initial cooking to the final wrapping. It’s a mesmerizing dance of machinery and human skill, resulting in those perfect little pieces of joy.

Spread the Sweetness

Taffy’s delightful colors and flavors make it a charming gift. Create small bundles of joy by packaging assorted taffy in decorative bags or boxes. Add a personal touch with a handwritten note card or a fun taffy-related pun. Distribute these sweet parcels to friends, family, or even colleagues. It’s a thoughtful and heartwarming way to spread happiness and share the spirit of National Taffy Day.

Taffy Flavor Invention

National Taffy Day is the perfect excuse to experiment in the kitchen. Ever dreamed of a chocolate-coffee taffy or a tangy lemon-basil blend? Now’s the chance to bring those ideas to life. Mix and match different flavorings, extracts, and even spices to create a unique taffy flavor. This creative endeavor is not just about the end product; it’s about enjoying the journey of discovery and taste-testing.

National Taffy Day is more than a day to pop in a bite of this yummy sweet treat. Rather, it is a celebration of candy-making history, creativity, and the simple joys of life. So, whether trying to pull taffy at home or purchasing some to share, savor each sweet moment.