National Caramel Day

Happy person dipping a caramel apple into a pot of melted caramel, surrounded by colorful autumn leaves.. — National caramel day illustration

Did you ever wake up one day and just crave something sticky, sweet, and deliciously golden? Well, if you did, it might have been on April 5th, which officially marks National Caramel Day! Go ahead, let your taste buds drown in the luscious, buttery-life goodness that is caramel.

When is Caramel Day?

It's national caramel day on the 5th April.

A Sweet Origin Story

Legend tells us caramel was first discovered by some overzealous candy makers in 1650. By overcooking sugar, they invented one of the most versatile sweets known to man. Or, maybe it was a case of 'I accidentally left my sugar on the fire' kind of situations. But as they say, some of the best things in life were born out of accidents!

Internet's Caramel Love Affair

According to our data, National Caramel Day started gaining traction on the internet around 2016, with the number of online mentions around the day skyrocketing at 3806 on April 5th, 2016. From Tweets indulging in the brown, sticky delight to Instagram posts overflowing with caramel laden pastries, it's safe to say caramel created quite a 'stir' online!

Celebrate with Caramel

Now, how do you celebrate National Caramel Day, you ask? Well, it could be as simple as enjoying a caramel latte with your breakfast or bringing a box of caramel chocolates to work. Or, if you're feeling particularly adventurous, spend the day in your kitchen, trying out caramel recipes that will make your friends and family clamor for more. Homemade caramels, caramel apples, caramel macchiato... the possibilities are endless!

History behind the term 'Caramel'

6000 BCE

Early Beginnings

Caramel's story begins in ancient times around 6000 BCE when people discovered the magic of caramelization. This process involves heating sugar until it melts and turns into a golden or brown syrup. The early inhabitants of the Middle East were the first to experiment with this technique, using it primarily to sweeten their desserts and beverages.

1640

The Name Emerges

In 1640, the term 'caramel' made its appearance in the French language. It originated from the Latin word 'cannamellis,' which means 'sugar cane honey.' The French language adopted this early version of caramel and started using it to describe the delicious result of heating sugar.

19th Century

The Rise in Popularity

During the 19th century, caramel's popularity soared. Its delightful taste and versatility led to its incorporation in various culinary creations worldwide. In Europe and America, caramel became a key ingredient in candies, sauces, and even as a flavoring for alcoholic beverages. This widespread usage propelled caramel to become a beloved culinary term.

1880

Caramels as a Candy

In 1880, Milton S. Hershey, founder of the famous Hershey chocolate company, introduced caramel as one of his first successful candy creations. His caramels quickly gained popularity, and the success of his candy business paved the way for the eventual creation of Hershey's iconic chocolate bars.

Late 20th Century

Caramel Beyond Confectionery

In the late 20th century, caramel expanded its reach beyond confectioneries. It became a popular flavor in coffee, ice cream, pastries, and various other desserts. The versatile taste of caramel seduced taste buds worldwide and secured its position as a beloved indulgence.

Present Day

Caramel's Enduring Charm

Today, caramel continues to be a timeless confectionery marvel and a treasured addition to countless sweet treats. Its rich, buttery flavor captivates both young and old, making it a staple in the world of sweets. Whether in the form of candy, sauce, or a drizzle on desserts, caramel's enduring charm remains irresistible.

Did you know?

Did you know that the word 'caramel' originally referred to a kind of sweet made from sugar cane? Its brought to us by our Spanish friends from the word 'caramelo', which means 'cane sugar'! Now that's a sweet piece of trivia for you.