A Guide to Floral Candy
Floral candy is a delightful treat that combines the beauty of flowers with the sweetness of confections. These candies, often infused with floral flavors or adorned with edible flowers, have a long history in various cultures. This Floristry guide will explore the types of floral candy, how to make them, and tips for enjoying them.
Types of Floral Candy
1. Hard Candies
Hard candies infused with floral extracts or essential oils offer a long-lasting flavor experience. Common flavors include:
Rose – Sweet, slightly spicy, and romantic.
Lavender – Mildly herbal with a soothing aroma.
Violet – Delicate and slightly fruity.
Hibiscus – Tart and citrusy, often with a red hue.
2. Candied Flowers
Fresh edible flowers are preserved by coating them in sugar or egg whites and drying them. Popular choices include:
Roses – Petals add an elegant touch.
Pansies – Vibrant and lightly sweet.
Lavender buds – Tiny but flavorful.
Violets – Classic in European confections.
3. Floral Gummies & Jellies
Soft and chewy floral candies often use gelatin or pectin. They may be flavored with floral syrups or infused teas, such as:
Elderflower gummies – Light and citrusy.
Chamomile jellies – Mildly sweet and calming.
Hibiscus chews – Tart and vibrant.
4. Chocolate & Floral Combinations
Floral-infused chocolates add complexity to sweet treats:
Rose-infused white chocolate – Creamy and delicate.
Lavender dark chocolate – Rich and aromatic.
Jasmine milk chocolate – A fragrant twist on a classic.
How to Make Floral Candy
1. Floral Hard Candy Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup water
1–2 tsp floral extract (rose, lavender, violet, etc.)
Natural food coloring (optional)
Edible dried flowers (optional)
Instructions:
Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until dissolved.
Boil until the temperature reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
Remove from heat and add floral extract and coloring. Stir quickly.
Pour onto a lined baking sheet or into candy molds. Add edible flowers if desired.
Allow to cool, then break into pieces or pop out of molds.
2. Candied Flowers Recipe
Ingredients:
Fresh edible flowers
1 egg white (or aquafaba for a vegan option)
½ cup superfine sugar
Instructions:
Lightly whisk the egg white until frothy.
Using a brush, coat each flower with egg white.
Sprinkle evenly with sugar and place on a drying rack.
Let dry for 24 hours before storing in an airtight container.
Tips for Enjoying Floral Candy
Pair with tea – Floral candies complement herbal and black teas beautifully.
Use as cake decorations – Candied flowers and floral hard candies add elegance to desserts.
Make gift sets – Homemade floral candies are perfect for special occasions.
Experiment with flavors – Mix different flowers, such as lavender and honey or hibiscus and citrus.
Floral candy is a unique and elegant confection that can be enjoyed in many forms. Whether you’re making your own or savoring store-bought varieties, these sweet treats offer a taste of nature’s beauty.
