Where Did Potato Candy Originate?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Candy actually originated

in the South during the Great Depression

; making this tasty treat was a great way to create a delicious confection out of the little ingredients that were available during those trying times.

Who invented the Irish Potato Candy?

See's records show that

Ed Peck

, a former company executive, came up with the idea for the potato candy, perhaps based off one he'd had at a candy show out East. The California company's recipe is based on a classic soft candy filling called divinity.

Who invented potato candy?

Potato candy came to the U.S., somewhere around the turn of the century, reportedly from

Germany

. It arrived in recipe form – possibly memorized rather than written – with immigrants. The candy consisted of two main ingredients: potato and sugar.

What is potato candy made of?

Old Fashioned Potato Candy is made up of

powdered sugar, mashed , and nut butter

. Irish potato candy is a traditional sugary confection that (despite its name), is not from Ireland, and does not usually contain any potato.

Why are Irish potatoes candy called that?

Yes, Irish potato candies are a Philadelphia tradition going back over 100 years. There aren't any actual potatoes in the Philadelphia version of this confection. Instead, they get their name

because they look like miniature potatoes

. Typically the candies have a coconut butter cream inside and a cinnamon coating.

What is the history of Irish potato candy and what is in it?

Irish potato candy is a regional confection consisting of cream cheese, sugar, and coconut formed into balls and rolled in cinnamon to resemble potatoes. It's believed that Irish potato candy

originated in Philadelphia some time in the late 19th or early 20th century

.

Where do potatoes come from?

The humble potato was domesticated in

the South American Andes

some 8,000 years ago and was only brought to Europe in the mid-1500s, from where it spread west and northwards, back to the Americas, and beyond.

What does an Irish potato taste like?

WHAT DO THEY TASTE LIKE? Irish potatoes are

similar in flavor to the inside of an Almond Joy or Mounds bar

, but with a slight added tang from the cream cheese and a strong cinnamon kick. Because they're sweet and dense, it's important not to make them TOO big, or they can be overwhelming.

What did the Irish eat before potatoes?


Grains, either as bread or porridge

, were the other mainstay of the pre-potato Irish diet, and the most common was the humble oat, usually made into oatcakes and griddled (ovens hadn't really taken off yet).

What food did the Irish invent?

  • Chocolate milk. This tasty treat was created by a physician from Northern Ireland named Hans Sloane during the 1700s. …
  • Cheese and onion potato chips. …
  • Porter cake. …
  • Yellowman. …
  • Potato bread. …
  • Spice bag (or Spice box) …
  • Blaa. …
  • Goody (Goodie)

Are potatoes Irish?

Irish potatoes

are not Irish

– they are a type of white potato from South American which are forever associated with an infamous potato-disease famine in Ireland.

Does potato candy need refrigerated?

Tips for Making Potato Candy


Don't refrigerate them

, just leave them at room temperature once you've drained them until they are completely cooled, and then mash them until no lumps remain.

Why is my potato candy runny?

Servings can vary depending on how thick you cut your slices. If it's runny,

just add more confectioner's sugar

.

What is a traditional Irish dish?

Representative dishes include

Irish stew, bacon and cabbage, boxty, soda bread

(predominantly in Ulster), coddle, and colcannon. Modern Irish food still uses traditional ingredients, but they are now being cooked by chefs with world influences and are presented in a more modern and artistic style.

What candy is Ireland known for?

  1. Galaxy Truffles. It may have only been discontinued in 2011, but we miss the Galaxy Truffle almost every day.
  2. Woppa Bars. A cornershop favourite for a whole generation.
  3. Push Pops. The most 90s sweet ever.
  4. Ritchie's Milky Mints. …
  5. Toffos. …
  6. Taz Bars. …
  7. Smileys. …
  8. Rhubarb & Custards. …

What are the health benefits of Irish potatoes?

  • Packed With Nutrients. Share on Pinterest. …
  • Contain Antioxidants. Potatoes are rich in compounds like flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolic acids (4). …
  • May Improve Blood Sugar Control. …
  • May Improve Digestive Health. …
  • Naturally Gluten-Free. …
  • Incredibly Filling. …
  • Extremely Versatile.
Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.