Mexican Candy

As Mexicans love to put chili in their food, Mexican candies are no exception. Adding Chili is what makes Mexican candy to stand out among various sweets of the  world.

Many of Mexican foods were influenced by Spaniards and sugar is one of many brought to America by Europeans. The Conquistador Hernando Cortez was the pioneer of sugar cane production in America. He planted sugar cane in Puebla, Tlaltenango and Veracruz and it later spread to Mexico’s Central Valley. Introducing candy cane greatly affected the recipes of the indigenous dishes and initiated production of confection and pastry.

During the conquest of Spaniards, Mexican candies were created by nuns, which gave them wide range of names and flavors. Each monasteries had their sweet specialties and served people in high position such as politicians. Through the period of monastery confection production, candies reached great heights. After Mexico’s independence, candies spread out to streets and factory manufactures.

Mexican candies’ origin in monasteries generated many religious candies. For example, skull candies is one of the most famous candy in Mexico and made for special religious celebrations. Skull candies are called Calaveras de Azucar. It is a literally skull shaped small candy painted with many festive bright colors. This candy is taken to the graves of the dead members of family.

Mexican lollipops provide a variety of flavors from sweet, sour to spicy. Dulce de Leche, caramel candy, is one of the most loved candies in Mexico. It is made from mix of cow and goat’s milk.