Crystals suitable to eat will form in about an hour and continue to grow for several days or even several weeks. If you do not see any crystals form during the first hour, something is wrong and you’ll have to start over. Although you may see quick results in small measure, the larger rock candy crystals you’re accustomed to seeing in the candy store will take at least 2 or 3 weeks to form.
Rock Candy
Makes about 6 to 8 rock candy strings
- 4 cups evaporated cane juice
- 1 cup water
- Natural liquid food coloring of choice
In a medium
saucepan, heat 2 cups of the evaporated cane juice and the water
over medium heat, but do not boil. Stir until the evaporated cane
juice is completely dissolved.
Gradually add a
few drops of the food coloring and the additional 2 cups evaporated
cane juice, stirring continuously until all the evaporated cane
juice is dissolved. Pour the solution into 6 to 8 clean,
medium-size jars to fill three-quarters of the way
full.
Cut baker’s
twine into 6-inch lengths, one for each jar. Tie each piece of
twine to a pencil and suspend them across the mouth of the jars so
that the ends hang into the syrup. Do not allow the twine to touch
to bottom or edge of the jar.
Once crystals
form to the size of your liking (anywhere from days to weeks),
gently remove the pencil and string from the jar and lay the rock
candy on paper towels to soak up the extra moisture. Once dry, cut
the crystals off the twine. Store the rock candy in an airtight
container in a dry environment for up to 6 months.