Fact or Fiction: Testing Tricks for Longer Lasting Caramel Apples

 

In the quest to keep caramel apples fresh for as long as possible, Joe Sofia from Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate investigates the effectiveness of a popular preservation method: the lemon juice trick. This method, which suggests dipping the wooden sticks in lemon juice before use, is believed to extend the shelf life of these sweet treats. But does it really work?

The shelf life of a caramel apple is typically only one to two weeks. The primary issue arises at the point where the stick is inserted into the apple. Over time, this area turns brown and becomes unappetizing due to enzymatic browning—a biochemical reaction triggered when apple flesh is exposed to oxygen. This phenomenon is what often limits the apple's appeal and shelf life.

Variables Affecting the Rate of Browning:

Temperature: Temperature plays a significant role; refrigerating caramel apples can slow down this process.

Apple variety: the variety of apple used can affect how quickly it browns, as different types have varying compositions

Without the stick, the shelf life of caramel apples could be considerably longer, since the caramel, nuts, and chocolate used in their preparation generally have a much longer shelf life.

The apples on the left illustrate the effects of unsoaked sticks, while the apples on the right show the results of sticks soaked in lemon juice.

Does the lemon juice trick really work?

The lemon juice trick involves soaking the wooden sticks in lemon juice before inserting them into the apples. It has been suggested that this trick helps to preserve the apples by reducing browning at the stick insertion point. However, Joe Sofia's testing did not reveal a significant difference between apples with lemon-soaked sticks and those with unsoaked sticks. After a week, both types of sticks—whether soaked in lemon juice or not—showed similar browning around the insertion point.

Given the limited impact of the lemon juice trick, another approach to extending the shelf life of caramel apples is to forgo the stick altogether. By using large dipping forks, beaker tongs, or scissor-style tongs to dip the apples in caramel, candy makers can avoid the browning issue associated with the stick. While this method may slow down the dipping process, it might be a worthwhile trade-off for those focused on maximizing freshness. For customer convenience, sticks could still be provided separately for those who prefer them.

In conclusion, while the lemon juice trick does not significantly extend the shelf life of caramel apples, exploring alternative methods like going stickless could offer a practical solution for preserving these delightful treats.

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Caramel Twists & Pairings: 3 Variations of Caramel to Try

 

Consumers generally fall into two flavor camps: one that loves classic, comforting tastes and another that seeks out new, adventurous experiences. These preferences aren't fixed; people often switch between the two based on their mood or circumstances.

Experimental: Caramel with a Twist

Consumers love trying new flavor combinations, and adding a twist to classic caramel can make it more exciting and appealing. These twists can make familiar flavors feel fresh and interesting, encouraging people to explore new options they might otherwise overlook.

Twists and pairings

Caramel works well with a variety of inclusions to create multi-sensory experience. Healthier add-ins like seeds, nuts, and dried fruits are particularly popular. You can also experiment with more adventurous pairings, such as cocktail-inspired flavors, rosemary and sea salt, or cocoa nibs, to elevate your caramel creations and give them a premium perception. Caramel also has incredible potential to satisfy various eating occasions and consumer needs. For example, caramel and caramel products are the perfect solution for the rising trend of on-the-go consumer snacking.

In the spirit of exploring new and creative twists on caramel, we’re sharing 3 variations of caramel flavors to try this fall.

Photo credit: Shotwell Candy Co.

Old Fashioned Cocktail Caramels

If a caramel walked into a bar—a swanky, retro bar—it might walk out tasting like Shotwell Candy Co.’s “Old Fashioned” Cocktail Caramels. Described as “buttery soft caramel, infused with aromatic bitters, barrel-aged bourbon, and orange extract.”

Photo credit: King Arthur Baking Company

Salted Rosemary Caramel Sauce

For herbaceous twist on your class caramel recipe, add a hint of fresh rosemary. This recipe for salted rosemary caramel sauce calls for boiled apple cider to add a more refined flavor and also recommends straining the caramel to remove any remaining pieces of rosemary.

Sweet tip: Speaking of caramel sauce, if you have a great caramel recipe and aren’t currently making caramel sauce, this could be a natural variation which would give your customers another way to enjoy your caramel.

Photo credit: Love & Olive Oil

Dark Chocolate Cocoa Nib Caramels

Especially if you already have chocolate caramels in your wheelhouse, adding cocoa nibs is sure to elevate your recipe with welcome texture and crunch elements. Check out this recipe from Love & Olive Oil.

Adding a twist to your caramel creations can elevate them from ordinary to interesting and even trendy, especially for younger consumers. 

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Tips for Making Caramel Stick to Apples + Summer Inspiration

 

Have you ever experienced problems with caramel slipping off your caramel apples? The wax on your apple may be the culprit. By simply wiping each apple with a damp cloth prior to dipping, you can remove the waxy residue that rests on the apples.

An apple naturally produces a waxy film to protect itself, however, in some instances additional food-grade wax is added by suppliers to further increase an apple’s shelf life. For this reason, it could save you time and effort to request unwaxed apples from your supplier, if they do add wax to their apples.

If that doesn’t help, consider adding white compound to your caramel at a 5 to 1 ratio to help it better adhere to the apple.

If you can’t wait to test this out, check out the summer-inspired caramel apples ideas to try below! Plus, registration is now open for RCI’s Fall Regional Conference—a conference focused on all things caramel! Join RCI in the Baltimore area September 16-18, 2024 for a education, including a hands-on caramel apple demonstration, confectionery tours and more! For best rates, register by August 9! Learn more.

Patriotic Caramel Apples
Show your patriotic stripes with drizzles of red and blue over a white chocolate coated caramel apple.

 

Zesty Coconut Caramel Apples
Think tropical by adding a generous helping of toasted coconut and a little lime zest to your caramel apples.

 

Wormy Caramel Apple
Turn shoppers heads with these fun, wormy caramel apples!

S’mores Caramel Apples
Transform your caramel apples into a s’mores lover’s dream by adding layers of graham crackers, marshmallows and drizzled chocolate. 

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4 Tips to Stop Sea Salt Caramels from Sweating

Suffer from sweaty sea salt caramels? You're not alone. Many candy makers have faced this common issue and shared possible solutions in the RCI member forum, The Candy Dish.

When making sea salt caramels, finishing with high-quality sea salt is best. However, even with quality salt, storing salted caramels in a cool room with 50% humidity can still cause the salt to sweat or become clear on the caramel. Here are four RCI member tips to prevent similar problems when storing sea salt caramels:

1.     Some salts are harder than others. Use a harder and more dense salt, such as pink Himalayan sea salt, which is less likely to absorb moisture.

2.     Store sea salt caramels at room temperature, rather than reducing the temperature.

3.     Dehumidify your storage area to at least 40%.

4.     Shrink wrap the boxes or cases to completely enclose the product before storing.

Nobody likes a sweaty sea salt caramel! Give these tips a try to keep your sea salt caramels dry.

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