Have you ever bought cotton candy at a fair only to discover that it is quickly running out? What happened to the cotton candy, then? Is it melting?
Yes, cotton candy does melt, but not in the way that ice cream or chocolate typically do. Spun sugar is used to make cotton candy, giving it its fluffy and airy texture. Cotton candy’s sugar can begin to disintegrate and lose its shape when exposed to heat or moisture, giving the impression that it is “melting.”
But cotton candy doesn’t melt into a pool of liquid as ice cream does. Instead, as the sugar molecules decompose and lose their structure, it collapses and turns sticky. So, even if heat and humidity can have an impact on cotton candy, it would be more correct to describe that it dissolves or deflates rather than “melts” like other sweets.
Does cotton candy melt in the heat (or in the sun)?
Yes, cotton candy can melt in the heat, particularly if it is in the sun. Spun sugar, the main ingredient of cotton candy, is very heat-sensitive and will readily disintegrate or collapse in warm environments. Cotton candy can lose its form and become sticky when its sugar strands start to break down in the presence of high temperatures.
How long does cotton candy stay fresh?
Depending on how it is kept and the environment it is exposed to, cotton candy might have a different shelf life. If kept in a cool, dry area, cotton candy that has been commercially packaged and sealed in a plastic bag or container often keeps its freshness for two weeks to a month. However, elements like humidity, temperature, and air exposure can impact how fresh something is.
Because cotton candy absorbs moisture from the air when it is humid, it can become sticky and lose its fluffy quality. Cotton candy can start to harden and lose some of its appeal over time if it is exposed to air. In order to preserve its freshness as much as possible, it must be kept in an airtight container.
Since homemade cotton candy is more prone to moisture and air exposure, its shelf life may be shorter if you make it yourself or if you buy it from a vendor at an event. Usually, it only lasts a few days to a week.
It is advised to eat cotton candy soon after creating or buying it to ensure the optimum quality and flavour. If you have any leftovers, don’t forget to use airtight containers and keep it in a cool, dry area.
Can cotton candy go in the refrigerator?
It is not advised to store cotton candy in the fridge. When cotton candy is refrigerated, it may collect moisture from the refrigerator’s air. This extra moisture will cause the sugar strands to break down and become sticky, severely lowering the cotton candy’s quality and texture. Because of the humidity in the refrigerator, cotton candy’s fragile structure may suffer.
It is recommended to preserve cotton candy in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and humidity if you need to store it. Use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags to keep the food fresh by preventing air exposure.
Can you freeze cotton candy?
Although cotton candy can technically be frozen, it is not advised because freezing can impair its flavour and texture. The tiny sugar strands that make up cotton candy can become brittle when frozen, losing their fluffy and airy texture.
When cotton candy is frozen, it can also take up moisture from the freezer, which can cause clumping and a general decline in quality. When cotton candy is thawed, it could lose its light, airy texture and get sticky, making it less satisfying to consume.
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