Candy – the sweet, sugary delight that brings joy to people of all ages. But, have you ever stopped to think about the not-so-pleasant side of the candy world? From weird textures to bizarre flavors, there are some candies out there that are downright nasty. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of nasty candies and explore some of the most cringe-worthy treats that will make you question the sanity of their creators.
The Weird and Wacky World of Candy
Candy has been a staple of human culture for thousands of years, with ancient civilizations creating sweet treats from honey, fruits, and nuts. Over time, candy-making evolved, and new ingredients were introduced, leading to the vast array of candies we see today. But, with the rise of experimental candy-making, some manufacturers have pushed the boundaries of what’s considered “normal” in the world of sweets.
Candies That Will Make You Go “Huh?”
Some candies are just plain weird. Take, for example, the infamous Casu Marzu, a Sardinian cheese candy that’s purposely infested with live maggots. Yes, you read that right – live maggots. The cheese is left outside to attract flies, which lay their eggs on it. When the maggots hatch, they break down the cheese’s fats, making it soft and runny. It’s a delicacy in some parts of the world, but for most people, it’s a hard pass.
Another weird candy is Garlic Gummies. These chewy treats are infused with real garlic, making them a nightmare for anyone who values fresh breath. They’re often marketed as a health food, with claims that they can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. But, let’s be real, who wants to eat garlic-flavored candy?
The Bizarre World of Japanese Candy
Japan is known for its unique and often bizarre candy creations. One such example is Wasabi Gummies, which are exactly what they sound like – gummy candies infused with the spicy heat of wasabi. They’re not for the faint of heart, as the wasabi kick can be overwhelming.
Another Japanese candy that’s gained notoriety is Horror Gummies, which come in a variety of terrifying shapes, including severed fingers, eyeballs, and even feces. They’re often flavored with weird and wonderful ingredients like seaweed and soy sauce.
Candies That Will Make You Question Your Life Choices
Some candies are just plain nasty. Take, for example, Haggis Candy, which is made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, and spices. It’s a traditional Scottish dish that’s been turned into a candy, because why not?
Another candy that’s sure to make you question your life choices is Balut Candy, which is made from fertilized duck eggs that have been boiled and eaten from the shell. The candy version is a sweet and sour treat that’s popular in some parts of Southeast Asia.
Candies That Are Just Plain Gross
Some candies are just plain gross. Take, for example, Stinky Tofu Candy, which is made from fermented tofu that’s been left to rot for months. The resulting candy is a pungent and sour treat that’s not for the faint of heart.
Another candy that’s sure to make you wrinkle your nose in disgust is Durian Fruit Candy, which is made from the infamous durian fruit that’s known for its strong odor and spiky exterior. The candy version is a sweet and creamy treat that’s popular in some parts of Southeast Asia.
The Nastiest Candy of Them All
But, the nastiest candy of them all has to be Surstromming Candy, which is made from fermented herring that’s been left to rot for months. The resulting candy is a sour and pungent treat that’s not for the faint of heart. It’s a traditional Swedish dish that’s been turned into a candy, because why not?
| Candy | Ingredients | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Casu Marzu | Maggot-infested cheese | Sardinia |
| Garlic Gummies | Garlic, sugar, water | USA |
| Wasabi Gummies | Wasabi, sugar, water | Japan |
| Horror Gummies | Seaweed, soy sauce, sugar | Japan |
| Haggis Candy | Sheep’s heart, liver, lungs, onions, oatmeal, spices | Scotland |
| Balut Candy | Fertilized duck eggs, sugar, water | Southeast Asia |
| Stinky Tofu Candy | Fermented tofu, sugar, water | Taiwan |
| Durian Fruit Candy | Durian fruit, sugar, water | Southeast Asia |
| Surstromming Candy | Fermented herring, sugar, water | Sweden |
Conclusion
The world of candy is a vast and wondrous place, full of sweet and sour treats that can bring joy to people of all ages. But, as we’ve seen, there’s also a dark side to the candy world, where weird and wonderful ingredients come together to create some truly nasty candies. Whether you’re a fan of garlic gummies or haggis candy, there’s no denying that these treats are sure to make you go “huh?” So, the next time you’re feeling adventurous, why not try one of these nasty candies and see what all the fuss is about? Just be sure to have a glass of milk nearby to wash down the taste.
What are some of the nastiest candies in the world?
Some of the nastiest candies in the world include Casu marzu, a Sardinian maggot-infested cheese candy, and Hákarl, a fermented Icelandic candy made from lamb. Other contenders for the title of nastiest candy include Balut, a Filipino candy made from developing duck embryos, and Mopane worms, a Southern African candy made from fried caterpillars.
These candies may seem unappetizing to some, but they are considered traditional treats in their respective cultures. They often have unique textures and flavors that are acquired tastes, and they can be a fun and adventurous experience for those who are willing to try them.
What is Casu marzu and why is it considered nasty?
Casu marzu is a Sardinian cheese candy that is purposely infested with live maggots. The cheese is left outside to attract flies, which lay their eggs on it. When the maggots hatch, they break down the cheese’s fats, making it soft and runny. The candy is often served with the live maggots still inside, which can jump up to 6 inches when disturbed.
Casu marzu is considered nasty because of its strong odor and the presence of live maggots. The cheese has a pungent, ammonia-like smell that can be overwhelming, and the thought of eating live insects can be unappetizing to many people. However, in Sardinia, Casu marzu is considered a delicacy and is often served at special occasions.
What is Hákarl and how is it made?
Hákarl is a fermented Icelandic candy made from lamb. The lamb is buried underground for several months to allow it to ferment, which gives it a strong, ammonia-like flavor. The fermented lamb is then cut into small cubes and served as a snack or used as an ingredient in other dishes.
Hákarl is made by fermenting lamb in its own skin, which allows it to break down and develop its unique flavor. The fermentation process can take several months, during which time the lamb is buried underground to allow it to ferment slowly. The resulting candy is strong and pungent, with a flavor that is often described as sour and slightly sweet.
What is Balut and why is it popular in the Philippines?
Balut is a Filipino candy made from developing duck embryos that are boiled and eaten from the shell. The embryos are harvested from duck eggs after 16-17 days of incubation, when they are still partially developed. The resulting candy is a combination of textures, with the soft, partially developed embryo and the crunchy eggshell.
Balut is popular in the Philippines because it is a convenient and affordable snack that is rich in protein. It is often sold by street vendors and is a popular treat at parties and other social gatherings. The unique texture and flavor of Balut make it a favorite among many Filipinos, who enjoy it as a snack or appetizer.
What are Mopane worms and how are they eaten?
Mopane worms are a type of caterpillar that is commonly eaten in Southern Africa. They are harvested from the mopane tree and are often fried or boiled before being eaten. The resulting candy is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a flavor that is often described as nutty or earthy.
Mopane worms are a popular snack in Southern Africa, where they are often served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in other dishes. They are rich in protein and are considered a nutritious and sustainable food source. In some cultures, Mopane worms are also considered a delicacy and are served at special occasions.
Are these nasty candies safe to eat?
While these nasty candies may seem unappetizing to some, they are generally considered safe to eat. However, as with any food, there is a risk of foodborne illness if they are not handled and prepared properly. It is essential to source these candies from reputable suppliers and to follow proper food safety guidelines when preparing and consuming them.
It is also worth noting that some of these candies may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions or dietary restrictions. For example, Casu marzu is not recommended for people with weakened immune systems, as the live maggots can pose a risk of infection. Similarly, Hákarl is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, as the high levels of ammonia can exacerbate the condition.
Where can I try these nasty candies?
These nasty candies can be found in various parts of the world, depending on the specific type. Casu marzu is typically found in Sardinia, while Hákarl is commonly found in Iceland. Balut is widely available in the Philippines, while Mopane worms can be found in Southern Africa.
For those who are interested in trying these nasty candies but cannot find them locally, there are also many online retailers that sell them. However, it is essential to do your research and ensure that you are sourcing from a reputable supplier to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Additionally, be sure to follow proper food safety guidelines when preparing and consuming these candies.