What's Happening?
A Reddit post has gone viral after a woman discovered old candy canes in her garage that appeared to have evaporated inside their wrappers. The post, shared by user u/aguywithfood, shows one intact candy cane and several empty wrappers. Food science consultant Edmund McCormick explained that the candy canes did not evaporate but rather dissolved due to moisture and temperature fluctuations, turning into syrup that seeped out of the wrappers. This phenomenon is attributed to the hygroscopic nature of sucrose, which absorbs moisture from the air, causing the candy to dissolve.
Why It's Important?
This incident highlights the effects of environmental conditions on food storage, particularly in non-climate-controlled areas like garages. It serves as a reminder of the importance
of proper storage to prevent food spoilage and potential health risks. The viral nature of the post also reflects the public's interest in unusual occurrences and the role of social media in disseminating information. For consumers, understanding these processes can lead to better food storage practices and awareness of how environmental factors can affect food quality.
