In 1897, a dentist named William Morrison helped create the first machine for making cotton candy. It's funny because a person who fixes teeth created one of the sugary treats that causes the most cavities!
Cotton candy is a staple of fairs and carnivals, known for being pure sugar. But the story of how it was born is one of the biggest ironies in the history of food.
In 1897, a dentist named William Morrison teamed up with a candy maker named John C. Wharton. Together, they invented a machine that used centrifugal force to turn melted sugar into thin, cloud-like threads.
Back then, they didn't call it "Cotton Candy." They marketed it as "Fairy Floss." It was introduced to the world at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair and became an instant hit, selling over 68,000 boxes!
It seems strange that a man who spends his day fighting cavities would create a treat made of 100% sugar. Some people joke that it was a "job security" strategy, but in reality, Morrison was a man of many interests, and food engineering was one of them.
The next time you enjoy a fluffy cloud of cotton candy, remember that we owe it to a dentist. Just make sure to brush your teeth afterward - Morrison would probably want that!
