What is the difference between rock candy and hard candy?

While both rock candy and hard candy are types of sugar candy, they have some key differences:

Rock Candy:

* Formation: Crystallized sugar that forms large, irregular crystals. It's made by slowly evaporating a sugar solution, allowing sugar molecules to bind and form crystals.

* Texture: Crunchy and hard, with a distinct crystalline structure.

* Appearance: Usually clear or translucent, often with a large, irregular shape. Can come in various colors.

* Flavor: Typically has a simple sugar flavor, with variations depending on the added flavorings.

Hard Candy:

* Formation: Heated sugar solution is cooked until it reaches a specific temperature, which determines its hardness.

* Texture: Hard and brittle, with a smooth, glassy texture.

* Appearance: Can be opaque or translucent, with a smooth, rounded shape. Comes in various colors and flavors.

* Flavor: Wide range of flavors, often infused with fruit juices, essential oils, or other flavorings.

Here's a table summarizing the key differences:

| Feature | Rock Candy | Hard Candy |

|--------------|------------|------------|

| Formation | Crystallized | Cooked sugar solution |

| Texture | Crunchy, crystalline | Hard, brittle, smooth |

| Appearance | Large, irregular crystals | Smooth, rounded shape |

| Flavor | Simple sugar, with flavorings | Wide variety of flavors |

In essence, rock candy is all about the crystal structure, while hard candy focuses on the smooth, cooked texture.