How did they invent candy?

There wasn't a single "invention" of candy. It evolved over thousands of years! Here's a simplified timeline:

Ancient Times (7000 BCE - 500 CE):

* Honey: One of the earliest forms of "candy," honey was collected and enjoyed by people in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

* Fruits and Nuts: People dried and preserved fruits, and used them in various sweets.

* Sugarcane: Around 3000 BCE, sugarcane cultivation began in New Guinea, and its sweet juice was enjoyed.

Middle Ages (500 - 1500):

* Sugar Refining: Around the 12th century, sugar refining became more common, allowing for the creation of sugary treats like crystallized fruits and candied nuts.

* Candy Making: In Europe, confectioners started experimenting with combining sugar with other ingredients, resulting in early versions of candies like hard candies and lollipops.

16th - 18th Centuries:

* Chocolate: The discovery and use of chocolate in the Americas spread to Europe, leading to the creation of chocolate candies and drinks.

* Industrialization: As sugar production increased and manufacturing techniques advanced, mass-produced candies like caramels and gummies began to emerge.

19th - 20th Centuries:

* Modern Candy Making: The development of new ingredients and techniques led to a vast array of candies, including chocolates, gummies, hard candies, lollipops, and more.

* Candy Bars: Invented in the late 19th century, these became a major part of the confectionery industry.

Today:

* Candy continues to evolve! New flavors, textures, and ingredients are constantly being introduced, showcasing the ongoing creativity in the world of candy making.

It's important to note that candy wasn't always a "treat." In some early societies, it was used as a form of currency or even medicine.

So, candy wasn't invented by a single person or at a specific point in time. It's a product of human ingenuity and experimentation throughout history.