Gamla stans polka Stockholm
Classic Candy Canes
In Sweden, we have been making candy canes since the 1840s. The most famous ones are from the city of Gränna in the southern part of Sweden. In Stockholm, in the old town, there is a real factory producing these red and white sweets, Gamla Stans Polkakokeri. In Sweden, the name for this treat is a bit strange. Translated to English, it would be "Polka Pigs". Back in 1850's the nickname for a sweet treat was a gris (pig), and at that time, the dans polka was popular to so hence that weird name Polkagris.
The Classic flavour is of course the mint and in Sweden, as we eat most candy in the world, we have a huge variety of flavours to choose from. We Swedes love liquorice, especially the salty one so that is always an option for us. Today you will find all kinds of flavours, banana, orange, cola, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, cream, caramel etc. The most popular size to buy is the "batton" style. Just like a thin log. But you'll find different styles of the polkagris in the store. If you have time you can even book a class and learn and try to make the sweets. So grab a batton of candy, watch your teeth and enjoy the Swedish Candy Pigs.
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