master-cooks | Cotton Candy Was Once Affectionately Called Fairy Floss

Cotton candy, the fluffy, sugary treat often associated with carnivals and amusement parks, was originally known as fairy floss. This whimsical name was coined in the late 19th century when the sweet delight was first developed. The invention of fairy floss is attributed to William Morrison, a dentist, and John C. Wharton, a confectioner, who debuted their creation at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. The machine they designed was capable of spinning sugar into fine threads, producing a light, airy confection that quickly captured the public's imagination. The name "fairy floss" evokes a sense of magic and wonder, fitting for a delicacy that seems almost otherworldly in its delicate, cloud-like form. Over time, as the treat gained popularity, especially in the United States, the name evolved into what we now commonly call cotton candy. Despite the change in nomenclature, the enchanting nature of this sugary delight remains unchanged, continuing to evoke nostalgia and delight in both children and adults alike. The transformation from fairy floss to cotton candy reflects both the evolution of language and the enduring appeal of this simple yet captivating confection.

Cotton candy before Morrison and Wharton

While William Morrison and John Wharton are credited with the contemporary version of cotton candy, the treat itself is far from new. Variations of spun sugar have existed for over 500 years. Tim Richardson highlights in his book "Sweets: A History of Candy" that in medieval Venice, sugar was boiled and then pulled into strands using forks, which were then draped over broom handles. In the late 16th century, King Henri III of France visited Venice and hosted a lavish banquet featuring over 1,000 spun sugar creations, including tablecloths.

In a similar vein, "The Experienced English Housekeeper," authored by Elizabeth Raffald in 1769, includes instructions for crafting silver and gold "webs" from sugar by spinning it around a mold while heated. During the 19th century, renowned French chef Marie-Antoine Carême, famous for creating Napoleon's wedding cake, gained recognition for his intricate spun sugar sculptures, such as a Venetian gondola made for his son's christening. However, due to the labor-intensive nature of the process, these creations were typically reserved for special occasions and the affluent until Morrison and Wharton streamlined the method, making sugar spinning quick and accessible.

Today, cotton candy is a staple at nearly every fair, festival, and candy shop. You can even whip up your own cotton candy at home using a store-bought machine or some good old-fashioned effort. Just don’t forget to brush your teeth afterward, or you might find yourself giving your dentist more business than you bargained for!

Cotton Candy Was Once Affectionately Called Fairy Floss

Cotton candy before Morrison and Wharton

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