Let’s talk about Polkagris, a traditional Swedish candy that has been around since 1859. It’s a simple treat, mainly peppermint flavored, and it stands out because of its red and white stripes. This candy has a humble beginning in Gränna, a small town in Sweden, where a woman named Amalia Eriksson made the first batch.
She was a widow, looking for a way to support her family, and her idea was to create this unique candy. The name “Polkagris” combines the energy of the polka dance with an old term for sweets, reflecting the candy’s fun and playful nature.
The process of making Polkagris is pretty easy but requires a careful hand. It starts with boiling ingredients like sugar, water, and a little vinegar. Once the mixture is ready, it’s divided: half remains white, and the other half gets colored red. Then, these two parts are twisted to form the candy’s signature spiral pattern. Despite new shapes and flavors over the years, the original stick form remains the most popular.
Gränna, where Polkagris was invented is just a small town of 2,500 people, but it attracts visitors looking to try the genuine Polkagris. And since 2022, the European Union has protected the name Polkagris, meaning only candy made in Gränna can use the name.
Making and Sharing Polkagris
Making Polkagris is an art and a tradition in Gränna. The candy is still made by hand, keeping the tradition alive. This has turned Gränna into a spot not just for locals but for tourists too. There’s even a yearly championship where candy makers show off their skills, which has become a big draw.
But Polkagris isn’t just a local favorite; it has fans all around the world. It’s a small piece of Swedish tradition that has found its way into other countries, including the United States.