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Indulge Sweet Tooth: What Does Horehound Candy Taste Like?

There’s Skittles, M&M’s, Starburst and then there’s horehound candy.

What on earth is that? It sure doesn’t sound like one, but horehound candy is definitely a treat.

Perhaps you visited some old-fashioned candy shops and came across this dark brown candy.

Or, maybe you found a tin of horehound candy in your grandmother’s house.

And since you’ve probably never tasted it, you’re now wondering what does horehound candy taste like?

Is it soft and chewy like Skittles? Or is it tangy like Sour Patch? Well, horehound candy tastes nothing like your typical candy.

In fact, many people state that horehound candy is an acquired taste.

Let’s take a close look at this traditional candy today.

What Is Horehound Candy?

what is horehound candy

Horehound candy is a hard candy that’s made with the horehound plant.

The scientific name for horehound is Marrubium vulgare, and it’s part of the mint family.

This perennial herb is native to central and southwestern Asia, Europe, and northern Africa.

Horehound has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries for treating various ailments such as colds, flu, and breathing and digestive issues.

Not only for medicinal purposes but the plant has also been valued as a magical protection against witchcraft throughout history.

Also known as white horehound or common horehound, the plant can still be found in several candies, including cough drops.

When it comes to horehound candies, you can find them at specialty shops, museum stores, or even online.

If you get your hands on some fresh or dried horehound leaves, you can easily make this health-boosting candy at home.

What Does Horehound Candy Taste Like?

what does horehound candy taste like

One single word can describe this candy– bittersweet. How exactly?

The inherent bitterness of horehound herb is still present in the candy, but it also has a sweetened undertone from the sugars.

And when combined, it gives a minty herbal concoction that resembles eucalyptus or rosemary.

Not many can mark this candy as one of their favorites, but it will benefit those who do.

They’re a source of cure that comes at the price of unpalatable taste.

Horehound candy can serve as a medicinal treatment for several health conditions, including your respiratory and digestive health.

They are consumed more for their medicinal properties than their flavor.

Try eating one of the candies, and your body will receive stimulation of digestive juices and an increased appetite.

They’re also perfect for when you need to treat a sore throat or cough.

In addition, the candy also helps lower cholesterol and sugar levels.

You must be wondering how a ‘candy’ can help with blood sugar levels.

To put it simply, you can use low-calorie sugars like sucralose.

So, if you compare horehound candy with most others, it is a healthier option that comes at the cost of a not-so-candy-like taste.

But it isn’t so bad once you get used to it.

Since the herb is so beneficial and easy to work with, growing them in your backyard might not be a bad idea.

After all, they spread easily, just like mint, and are ready for use whenever you need it.

Can You Make Horehound Candy at Home?

can you make horehound candy at home

Yes, you can make delicious and healthy horehound candies at home.

What would you need? A bunch of horehound leaves, sugar, water, and some patience.

If you can’t get your hands on horehound leaves, no problem.

You can find dried horehound leaves online or at your local health food store.

Once you have your ingredients ready, we can get started.

First, steep the leaves in boiling water for about 10 minutes.

This will help release all the flavors from the leaves.

After steeping:

  • Strain the liquid and discard the leaves.
  • Pour the horehound liquid into the pot and add sugar or corn syrup.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil until it reaches 300° F or the “hard crack” stage of candy making where there is little to no water left.

You need to be really attentive to the syrup because things can go wrong in the blink of an eye.

Avoid burning the molten sugar at all costs.

After this, simply pour the candy syrup into a buttered pan and allow it to cool for about 3-4 minutes, or until it’s cool enough to touch and mold the candy in any shape you want.

And there it is, your very own horehound candy.

Final Thought

Horehound candy may make or break your impression of healthy eating.

Who knew you’d have to eat something so bitter to better your health?

Not many find this candy amusing, so they’re unheard of in many places.

But if you do find them to your liking, they’ll make a healthier substitute for all the other sugary candies.

There isn’t much to worry about while making this candy, so you should definitely give it a try.

And who knows, you might start feeling the best you’ve ever felt.

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