When making candy, the final texture is determined by the highest temperature the sugar syrup reaches. The starlight mints are cooked to a higher temperature than the sticks so that the final product has little to no water and will form a clear, hard candy that is brittle when it cools. (The white color is due to air bubbles that are trapped when the candy is shaped.) The sticks, on the other hand, are cooked to a cooler temperature and have more water, are far less brittle, and remain soft. Sugar is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs water; this is why the sticks remain soft and starlight mints get sticky and gross over time.
Making peppermint candy that melts in your mouth
What is peppermint oil made of?
Pure oil of peppermint is nearly colourless. It consists principally of menthol and menthone. Menthol, also called mint camphor or peppermint camphor, has long been used medicinally as a soothing balm. This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.
How do I make Peppermint tea?
The leaves, such as peppermint, are the most sensitive parts of the plant and should therefore not be boiled with water. The ideal is to bring the water to the boil, turn off the heat, put between 5 and 10g of mint in a mug, then add the water. Cover and leave to stand for 5 minutes so that the volatile substances don’t escape with the steam, and the tea is ready to drink.
Where did Peppermint come from?
Peppermint was first identified in Hertfordshire, England, by a Dr. Eales, a discovery which John Ray published 1696 in the second edition of his book Synopsis Methodica Stirpium Britannicarum.
How do you make peppermint candy?
Twist the peppermint sticks, moving your hands in opposite directions to create a swirled stick. Repeat until all of the candy is used up. Work quickly because at this point the candy will harden very fast and it will become difficult to separate pieces from the mass.