The History of the First Candy in Quebec: A Sweet Revolution

Candy, these little sweet wonders that delight young and old alike, have been an integral part of Quebec culture for centuries. But where do they come from, and how did they make their appearance in Quebec? To understand this fascinating story, let's dive into the origins of the first candy that amazed the taste buds of Quebecers.

1. The Historical Context: The Arrival of Sugar in Quebec

Even before candy appeared in Quebec, sugar, a key ingredient, had to be available first. In the 17th century, during French colonization, sugar was a rare and precious commodity. Imported from the West Indies colonies, it was initially reserved for the elite and used mainly in jams and pastries.

It was not until the early 19th century, with the decline in sugar prices due to the Industrial Revolution and the increase in sugar cane production, that confectioneries began to appear in Lower Canada, particularly in cities such as Quebec City and Montreal.

2. The First Confectioneries of Quebec

The first candy to appear in Quebec remains difficult to identify precisely. However, in the early 19th century, European confectioners, particularly French and British, brought their techniques to the New World. Dragées and hard candies , such as barley sugars, quickly gained popularity. These early candies were often made by hand in small confectioneries or sold in delicatessens.

One of Quebec’s first iconic confectioneries, La Maison Robertson opened its doors in Montreal in 1842. Known for its artisanal chocolates and candies, it played a crucial role in introducing European sweets to the Quebec population. This shop marked a turning point, as it offered confections accessible to a wider audience for the first time, becoming a true institution in the province.

3. Hard Candies and Maple Syrup: A Quebec Delight

One of Quebec's unique contributions to candy history is, of course, maple syrup. French settlers and natives already knew the art of harvesting maple sap and transforming it into sugar. Thus, maple quickly became a base for local sweets.

Maple candies , a Quebec specialty, were made by heating maple syrup until it crystallized into hard candies. This sweet natural product was one of the first forms of candy typical of Quebec, long before candies made from imported cane sugar became popular.

4. The Rise of Industrial Candy in the 20th Century

Starting in the early 20th century, with the industrialization of candy production, major brands like Lowney set up shop in Quebec. Lowney, who opened his first factory in Montreal in 1905, revolutionized the candy industry with the production of chocolate, caramel and other sweets on a large scale.

Candies such as sugarettes , soft caramels , and licorice rolls invaded grocery store counters, becoming essentials for Quebecers. These candies, previously a luxury, then became accessible to all, offering a range of flavors that delighted children and adults alike.

5. Quebec Candies Today: Tradition and Modernity

Today, Quebec is home to a rich tradition of candy making, both artisanal and industrial. From maple candies to fine chocolates, to modern creations like artisanal lollipops and locally-flavoured gummies , Quebec continues to evolve in the world of confectionery.

Companies like Les Délices de l'Érable are continuing the tradition of maple candies, while new artisanal confectioneries are reinventing the classics with local ingredients and original flavors.

Conclusion

The first candy to appear in Quebec was probably an artisanal confection imported from Europe or a local sweet made with maple syrup. Whether refined sugared almonds or homemade maple candies, these sweet treats have crossed the ages to become an essential part of Quebec's gourmet culture. Today, thanks to the evolution of techniques and tastes, Quebecers can enjoy a wide variety of candies, while continuing to celebrate the sweet heritage of their ancestors.