How did cotton candy get its name?
Mystery Science・2 minutes read
Cotton candy, originally a luxury dessert in Italy, became more accessible after a dentist named William Morrison invented a machine to produce it efficiently. The treat was introduced as "fairy floss" at the World's Fair in St. Louis by Morrison and his partner, becoming a huge success and later renamed "cotton candy" in the United States.
Insights
- Cotton candy originated as a luxury dessert in Italy, reserved for the wealthy due to its high cost and time-intensive preparation, but became more accessible thanks to a machine developed by dentist William Morrison and a candy maker.
- The sugary treat was introduced as "fairy floss" at the World's Fair in St. Louis, where it was sold for 25 cents per box, marking a significant shift in affordability and popularity, later renamed "cotton candy" in the United States.
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Recent questions
What was the original name of cotton candy?
The original name of cotton candy was "fairy floss" when it was introduced at the World's Fair in St. Louis.
Who invented the machine for cotton candy production?
William Morrison, a dentist, invented the machine for cotton candy production.
What was the cost of cotton candy at the World's Fair?
Cotton candy was sold for 25 cents per box at the World's Fair.
What is cotton candy called in the United States?
In the United States, cotton candy is known as "cotton candy."
What are the alternative names for cotton candy?
Cotton candy is known as "fairy floss" in Australia and "candy floss" in the UK, New Zealand, and Ireland.
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Summary
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Evolution of Cotton Candy: From Luxury to Worldwide
- Cotton candy was initially a luxury dessert made of spun sugar in Italy, only accessible to the wealthy due to its high cost and time-consuming preparation.
- William Morrison, a dentist, collaborated with a candy maker to invent a machine that could produce sugar threads more efficiently, making the treat more affordable.
- Morrison and his partner introduced the sugary treat at the World's Fair in St. Louis, naming it "fairy floss" and selling it for 25 cents per box, which became a huge success.
- Joseph Lascaux, another dentist, later renamed the treat "cotton candy" in the United States, while it is known as "fairy floss" in Australia and "candy floss" in the UK, New Zealand, and Ireland.
