Candy Corn: Pro Stance
I understand that candy corn is a topic about as sensitive as the cavities it produces, but it's a debate in which, as a candy corner, I have to take a stand. And I am for it.
Candy corn is the symbol of fall—of the cooler air, of the changing leaves, of Halloween, of Thanksgiving (and of my birthday). It is, admittedly, a bit "corny," but it's also a classic. Although it tastes saccharine, its traditional flavor is honey, and while Technicolor in appearance, it is also reminiscent of the American ears of grain that mark the season and color our history.
I can get Snickers, Three Musketeers, or Twix any time of year, and frankly—different as they are—they are all the same thing! Candy corn is inimitable and rare, more of a gem than a Ring Pop, more precious that a 100 Grand. I wait for three seasons until the autumn when I can scatter the candy kernels through the land like Johnny did with his apple seeds.
And so candy corn reappears each fall, the same yellow, orange, and white of October, a herald of a hundred-and-thirty-year past, and then refreshed for the modern year, making me gasp with glee over the new flavors and colors, like the proverbial kid in a candy shop.
I love that candy corn isn't a commitment; I don’t have to have a whole sticky, melting candy bar‐I can just happily graze on sugary kernels for three months of the year. I love that it's low in calories, and that it's based—at least ideologically—on corn.
I love that it's cheap, and that it lasts an eternity. I love that it makes so many of you out there positively sick, because then I have it all for myself. To me, it is the most charismatic, charming, deliciously cloying candy in existence. It is my sugar pie, honey bunch, and I am its sweetest thing, and we have a love affair for the ages.
Stay tuned for the anti-stance.
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19 Comments:
Nice ode to candy corn. Candy corners, unite!
I've noticed that candy corn is to Halloween as fruitcake is to Christmas. It is much maligned and loved by few.
holdthemayo at 1:55PM on 10/30/08
Preach it! Candy corn is bliss, and a Fall without a pocket full of the stuff, sneaking bites and picking out fluff, hoping the kids don't catch me and demand some of my stash, well, is a sad Fall indeed.
Kiwords at 2:18PM on 10/30/08
Candy corn rules. Anyone who thinks otherwise, well they're obviously a socialist or terrorist.
bobbob at 2:25PM on 10/30/08
I need to get that angelic candy corn graphic made into a tattoo.
worldcupfever at 2:54PM on 10/30/08
Yes, I commomly refer to candy corn as freedom corn (or is it freedom candy?).
Yeah, candy corn is what it is, a yummy sugary snack that doesn't assume to be more than it is. It's kitschy and fun, simple as that.
bionicgrrrl at 2:59PM on 10/30/08
Yay Kerry. Candy corn rules. I like the old-school candies like Baby Ruth etc., too.
That Erin is such a CC-h8tr. Boo Erin. Just kidding -- this was a fun debate.
TikiPundit at 4:01PM on 10/30/08
Michael Pollan hate cady corn.
sailordave at 4:20PM on 10/30/08
i dont like to actually consume candy corn but it makes me so happy to look at...i adore the aestetics of the candy corn :)
hungrygrl7 at 4:23PM on 10/30/08
"I love that it's low in calories, and that it's based—at least ideologically—on corn. "
Not just idealogically - Candy corn is almost all corn syrup!
(and it's gross)
kenjialtci at 4:42PM on 10/30/08
I love candy corn but I always eat WAY too much of the stuff. I just can't stop- it's so tasty!
evanc at 6:43PM on 10/30/08
To the haters: most of us fans of the stuff are getting the good kind made with honey, so let's abandon the corn syrup mantra. Really cheap candy corn is no better than any other really cheap candy.
So yes, I am proud to be a candy corn eater. Although I do recommend rationing your consumption, because candy corn can give you a serious sugar crash if not consumed appropriately.
Long live the candy corn.
cyberroo at 6:46PM on 10/30/08
@cyberroo: This is the first I've heard of it made with honey. Do you have a source for honey-based candy corn? Is there a brand easily available in stores? Or is it internet-only?
I'm throwing my hat in Kerry's corner! I was won over by maple-flavored candy corn. It's a Halloween tradition. Fie on Erin Zimmer and her Anti-Corn zealotry!
Adam Kuban at 7:00PM on 10/30/08
Candy corn is the only honey flavored food I enjoy!
coconutlime at 7:14PM on 10/30/08
Brach's candy corn is made with honey.
http://www.farleysandsathers.com/Products/ProductDetail.asp?UID=1171
holdthemayo at 7:48PM on 10/30/08
I love candy corn! My mom and I used to buy separate bags because we would fight over who got to eat the candy corn if we didn't. I still have to have my own bag to this day!
HeatherB at 8:29PM on 10/30/08
I'm pro-candy corn until I get some mellowcreme pumpkins. Their decreased surface area to volume ratio keeps the middle in better dissolve-in-your-mouth-ability.
wunami at 11:05PM on 10/30/08
Candy corn is magical, I'm pretty sure. And mellowcreme pumpkins? Su-perb. Plus, almost ALL candy corn - even the cheap generic stuff - is made with some honey, so it's practically a good deed to buy/eat it. Just doing my part to show up for the honey bee!
Sandy S at 12:24AM on 10/31/08
I certainly did my part in supporting National Candy Corn Day yesterday by consuming an entire 10 oz bag of Brach's Autumn Mix in 30 minutes. [Big fan of original and mellocreme pumpkins, but the Indian Corn included in the mix loses sight of the pure sugary brilliance with its faux chocolate flavor] I am obviously pro-candy-corn, but at the same time I know that my love of this fall treat is not the same kind of love that I have for say, pumpkin ravioli with brown butter and sage. Instead of being an elegant delight, it's a pure animalistic urge to eat as much of it as I can before my teeth fall out.
urbanruralist at 11:34AM on 10/31/08
check out this candy corn cheesecake!
http://houston.gotidbits.com/tidbit/cavity-check
Kerry Saretsky at 12:03PM on 10/31/08