Temperatures used during making candy

About the Candy Stages

Candy Stages are a result of the Cold Water Test. To use the Cold Water Test:

1. Place a cup of cold water into a Pyrex measuring cup.
2. Remove candy from heat.
3. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of syrup into the cold water. Use care as the syrup will be very hot and can cause severe burns.
4. Pick the candy up from the cold water and roll into a ball.
5. Use the table below to determine the Candy Stage

Soft Ball

The candy will roll into a soft ball, and will quickly remove its shape when removed from the water.

Firm Ball

The candy will roll into a firm but not hard ball. It will flatten out after being removed from the water.

Hard Ball

The candy will roll into a hard ball which has lost most of its plasticity and will roll around on a plate after being removed from the water.

Light Crack

The candy will form brittle threads in the water and will soften when removed from the water.

Hard Crack

The candy will form brittle threads in the water and will remain brittle when removed from the water.

Caramelized Sugar

The sugar melts and becomes golden brown. It will form a hard brittle ball in the cold water.