Crystal coating candy

[sapman]

Do many of you crystal coat? If so, what method do you use? I remember a method I heard of, and tried with some success, of microwaving syrup in a spray bottle, then lightly coating each piece. I'm concerned about shelf life, as I would like to try selling in some stores, but want it to last awhile.

Any ideas how long uncoated candy lasts in an air conditioned grocery store?

Thanks,
Tim

[WESTMAPLES]

idk about the exact shelf life, but I take my candy put it on a wire rack and submerge it in maple syrup after the candy has cooled and set. I usually leave it in the syrup for a few hours then pull it up let it dripoff and harden and pack them up seems to work great for me I can`t say ive ever seen anyone around hear spray them but like any processing everyone has different ideas good luck

[upsmapleman]

I coat a fair amount of candy and it is a process. We cook the crystal syrup up to about 11 degrees above the boiling point of water, cover it with wax paper and let set for 24 hrs. We then put the candy in cover with wax paper again and let it set around 12 hours. We pull it out and lay each piece on a tray with foam and a pre filter. After the tray is full we sponge off any excess. After about a hour to dry we flip them and hit the back lightly with a sponge to get any excess syrup. Then they dry for a few days or until we use them. If done right they sparkle and look really nice. If not they look glazed. We toured Maple Grove several years ago and they have it down to a science. Coated candy will keep a year if it is stored where the moisture is not high. One year I won 1st place at the Pa. Farm show in Jan. Entered the same box in the local fair in Aug. and took first. Entered it in the farm show the next year and took 1st again. Only replaced the pieces they had sampled. Sold it some time later when we ran short. Uncoated will only keep for 2 to 3 weeks under most conditions.

[jmayerl]

I used to do nearly the same process as upsmapleman. They were ok but hard and grainy. The coating defiantly made them last but I wouldn't go over 8 weeks.

Then I came up with a new process of making the candy that gives the candy a soft molded texture that makes it firm in the package then melt away in your Mouth in a few seconds. I had some very important tips shared from another candy maker which helped, but I also had to trial and error many batches before I had success. Since the switch we have repeat customers that buy a few pounds at a time and this process is awesome but there is no way to coat it.

[Moser's Maple]

I used to do nearly the same process as upsmapleman. They were ok but hard and grainy. The coating defiantly made them last but I wouldn't go over 8 weeks.

Then I came up with a new process of making the candy that gives the candy a soft molded texture that makes it firm in the package then melt away in your Mouth in a few seconds. I had some very important tips shared from another candy maker which helped, but I also had to trial and error many batches before I had success. Since the switch we have repeat customers that buy a few pounds at a time and this process is awesome but there is no way to coat it.
please share this process you came up with if you care to share :confused:

[jmayerl]

Haha jake, you know you gave me quite a few of your pointers. Maybe I need to ship some over to you for final approval? Wink wink

[K.I. Joe]

Please share the pointers that you have been given

[Moser's Maple]

Then I came up with a new process of making the candy


Haha jake, you know you gave me quite a few of your pointers. Maybe I need to ship some over to you for final approval? Wink wink
really.....I give you quite a few pointers but you come up with a new process?????
K I Joe, I have a utube video of the process I teach my in my beginning confection classes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9nBmlQdYeY
and here is 1 on granulated sugar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9F3vyHr-1U
now sorry to go off topic..... the process in the video for candy making you can crystal coat the candy, but I have always preferred not to because it seems to augment the texture that I am looking for. I know I sacrifice shelf life, but I personally have never had the need to store candy for 6+ months at a time. I do like the idea of preserving the candies, but like I said I really have no need for it at this time.
If you are looking for the process I explained to jmayerl and others on candy I know there are threads here on trader, and I know that are also threads about it other on SBI