Candy canes are the perfect mint
Few things in this world are self-contained perfection, but the genius behind the birth of mint is one such instance. The taste of mint itself is a miracle of modern day taste-bud pleasure, but the real breakthrough in the world of mint and mint-related products is the clever bend that marks the Christmas season and transforms the otherwise bland candy stick into the ever-popular cane.
As far as seasonal confection goes, not even the shiny coloured foil of the chocolate Easter egg can compare to the sophisticated simplicity of the candy cane. The clean, fresh flavour of peppermint is so much more rewarding than chocolate or any assorted fruit flavoured candy, and it leaves the consumer with that just-brushed, fresh breath that everyone around will be grateful for. The classic, uncomplicated pattern of red and white (with the occasional green) stripes adds to the overall appeal of the candy.
Their understated splendor has even earned them a place on the coveted Christmas tree, doubling as both decoration and dessert. Another explanation for the success of the candy cane is the many options that are available. Not only can you opt for green stripes, but you can also choose between regular sized, mini, giant, and lawn-ornament sized canes. Some stores even carry a line of other-than-mint flavoured canes, such as cherry, root beer and licorice, although they don't hold a candle to the original.
One can entertain many theories behind the steadfast popularity of the candy cane. One such possibility is the clever way that they are marketed. Since candy canes are traditionally only available during the Christmas season, society is forced to wait an average of 320 days to get the next installment of candy canes, therefore making them that much more desirable. The anticipation makes them all the more sweet, and the satisfaction of tasting the first candy cane of the year is second to none.
There are, of course, many variations of the candy cane that are in non-cane form and are available all year. Such mints can be found in grocery stores, confectionaries, and are served with the bill at many restaurants around the globe. But none are enjoyed as much as the candy cane.
There is one slight problem with the candy cane; that is, the packaging. The clear cellophane wrap can sometimes be remarkably difficult to remove, resulting in varying levels of frustration and in extreme cases, a broken cane. Occasionally, smaller canes can be purchased in small cello bags, but are most often shrink-wrapped, regardless of size.
One of the greatest confectionary developments of all-time has the candy cane to thank for its inception; Presidents Choice Candy Cane with Chocolate Fudge Crackle ice cream. (Note to readers: Presidents Choice also makes a killer veggie lasagna). This ice cream is by far the best ice cream available. Unfortunately, like the candy cane itself, it is only available during the Christmas season.
That said, it is important to acknowledge the tastiness of the entire mint family. While candy canes are generally peppermint flavoured, spearmint and the increasingly popular winterfresh mint are also quite tasty and work just as well as peppermint at freshening breath.
These two variations, however, cannot boast their own seasonal candy. There is however, a large number of holidays that have yet to find a candy representative, so there are options out there for the other mints.
Of course, they can never be compared to the original.
As far as seasonal confection goes, not even the shiny coloured foil of the chocolate Easter egg can compare to the sophisticated simplicity of the candy cane. The clean, fresh flavour of peppermint is so much more rewarding than chocolate or any assorted fruit flavoured candy, and it leaves the consumer with that just-brushed, fresh breath that everyone around will be grateful for. The classic, uncomplicated pattern of red and white (with the occasional green) stripes adds to the overall appeal of the candy.
Their understated splendor has even earned them a place on the coveted Christmas tree, doubling as both decoration and dessert. Another explanation for the success of the candy cane is the many options that are available. Not only can you opt for green stripes, but you can also choose between regular sized, mini, giant, and lawn-ornament sized canes. Some stores even carry a line of other-than-mint flavoured canes, such as cherry, root beer and licorice, although they don't hold a candle to the original.
One can entertain many theories behind the steadfast popularity of the candy cane. One such possibility is the clever way that they are marketed. Since candy canes are traditionally only available during the Christmas season, society is forced to wait an average of 320 days to get the next installment of candy canes, therefore making them that much more desirable. The anticipation makes them all the more sweet, and the satisfaction of tasting the first candy cane of the year is second to none.
There are, of course, many variations of the candy cane that are in non-cane form and are available all year. Such mints can be found in grocery stores, confectionaries, and are served with the bill at many restaurants around the globe. But none are enjoyed as much as the candy cane.
There is one slight problem with the candy cane; that is, the packaging. The clear cellophane wrap can sometimes be remarkably difficult to remove, resulting in varying levels of frustration and in extreme cases, a broken cane. Occasionally, smaller canes can be purchased in small cello bags, but are most often shrink-wrapped, regardless of size.
One of the greatest confectionary developments of all-time has the candy cane to thank for its inception; Presidents Choice Candy Cane with Chocolate Fudge Crackle ice cream. (Note to readers: Presidents Choice also makes a killer veggie lasagna). This ice cream is by far the best ice cream available. Unfortunately, like the candy cane itself, it is only available during the Christmas season.
That said, it is important to acknowledge the tastiness of the entire mint family. While candy canes are generally peppermint flavoured, spearmint and the increasingly popular winterfresh mint are also quite tasty and work just as well as peppermint at freshening breath.
These two variations, however, cannot boast their own seasonal candy. There is however, a large number of holidays that have yet to find a candy representative, so there are options out there for the other mints.
Of course, they can never be compared to the original.
