Stuff To Blow Your Mind The Invention of Cotton Candy, Part 2
Feb 4, 2025
Discover the sweet origins and cultural impact of cotton candy, from its invention at the 1904 World's Fair to its enchanting transformation in Japan. Explore how electric machines revolutionized its production, making it a carnival staple. Delve into the whimsical connection between cotton candy and medical advancements in bioengineering, where its techniques inspire innovations in reconstructive surgery. Finally, journey into astronomy with amusing insights on low-density exoplanets that challenge our understanding of the cosmos.
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Cotton Candy Machine Origins
- Cotton candy machines, similar to fiberglass production, spin melted sugar into thin strands.
- The 1904 World's Fair marked the debut of the "electric candy machine," later known as cotton candy.
Fairy Floss to Cotton Candy
- Inventors William Morrison and John Wharton debuted their "electric candy machine" at the 1904 World's Fair, selling "fairy floss" for 25 cents.
- The name "cotton candy" came later from Joseph Lascaux, another dentist involved in the candy's development.
Why Cotton Candy Is Fair Food
- Cotton candy's delicacy and sensitivity to moisture make it best consumed fresh.
- Its low density makes shipping inefficient, further tying it to fairs and carnivals.