History of Cotton Candy

The dawn of cotton candy started with Venetians pastry chefs in the15th-century.  These elite chefs would create decorative dessert with caramelized sugar by pouring syrup down a stick, and then work the “pliable threads into different shapes and even entire scenes."In the mid 18th century, confectioners in Europe spun liquefied sugar into thin treads for elaborate holiday desserts.  This candy was handcrafted, which made the method slow and expensive.  In effect, only rich people could afford the treat and the treat never became widespread. ¹

History of Cotton Candy

The history of modern cotton candy starts around the turn of the nineteenth century. In fact, four different individuals can be given credit for the invention.  In 1897, William Morrison and John Wharton of Nashville, TN claimed to have crafted the first cotton candy machine, and received a U.S. patent in 1899.  Thomas Patton also patented a cotton candy machine and presented it to the Ringling Bros in 1900.  Around the same time, Josef Lascaux, a dentist from Louisiana - introduced cotton candy at his dental office in 1921.²

Regardless of which originator gets full recognition for the idea, Morrison and Wharton seem to have modernized the entire manufacturing process. Their electric machine was similar to the cotton candy machines found today.  This unit heated the sugar until it was liquefied, then centrifuge forced the liquid through small holes to produce thin, hair-like fibers – hence, the name “fair floss.”  Their new invention was a hit at the 1904 World’s Fair when they sold over 68,655 boxes. ³

In 1900, Thomas Patton received a patent for his cotton candy maker. Unlike Wharton and Morrison electric unit, his gas powered machine caramelized the sugar by heating it up to 320 degree, then spinning a plate around to create fine cotton candy strands which were placed on a cone. Supposedly, Patton introduced his cotton candy maker to Ringling Bros Circus in 1900, but some historians contend this date may not be true.  Why? Ringling Brothers did not merge with Barnum and Bailey until in 1919. ^{4, 5}

Joseph Lascaux invented his cotton candy machine around 1921. A notable dentist in New Orleans, Louisiana, he introduced the sweet confection to his dental patients. Lascaux’s machine used centrifugal force and electricity as well, but his patent called the sweet stuff “cotton candy.”  In effect, the name cotton candy was born and it stuck with Americans. ⁴

References

1. Venzon, Christine. "How Cotton Candy Works: Spun Sugar – Sweet Science." Howstuffworks.com. Web. Science.howstuffworks.com. Retrieved June 4, 2012. http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/cotton-candy1.htm

2.  History of Cotton Candy - Fineentertaing.com Web. (June 2, 2012)

3. Food Timline > FAQ Candies. Web. Retrieved May 15, 2012
http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodcandy.html#cottoncandy

4. Mona Chiang (November 1, 2004) Science World  Sugar load: Unwrap the secrets behind some of the world's wackiest candies. Web. Retrieved June 20, 2012 http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1590/is_4_61/ai_n9485101/

5. Cotton Candy -  National Confectioners Association.  Web. Retrieved June 17, 2012
http://www.candyusa.com/FunStuff/CandyType.cfm?ItemNumber=926