Cotton candy is considered one of the oldest form of “candy” consumed by children around the world. People from the Arab world say it was first created in Egypt during the Al-Fatemeen era (from 969 to 1172 A.D.) when the Egyptians discovered that when they heat sugar and constantly stir it in a pot, sugar threads are formed to create what is known as cotton candy. These days the method has become far more mechanical with special machines that spin those sugar threads to form the fluffy pink creations. Sold in a variety of colors, in Saudi Arabia at least, if it's not pink, it's not cotton candy. Technological progress has also meant that cotton-candy machines can be bought for domestic use in supermarkets, should parents wish to indulge their children a bit more. A large factor behind the cotton candy's enduring popularity in the Kingdom is its price: available from a riyal onwards (and going up to five riyals depending on the size), cotton candy offers competition to the pricier imported chocolates and sweets available in corner stores. Like most iconic features of childhood, however, the cotton candy is also a favorite with adults as a number of parents today reminisce about chasing cotton candy-sellers in the Al-Mathloom district, one of the oldest in Jeddah. “While I was a child, I used to wait every weekend for ‘uncle Mahmood' who used to sell cotton candy near the grocery store. I used to follow him and he would sing for the children,” said Fatemah Omar, who is a mother herself now. Found anywhere, including markets, streets, parks and even the Corniche, cotton candy is a good, steady business for its creators. “During the weekend, especially, cotton candy makes good money. However, sellers must choose an ideal location like a theme park or mall,” remarked Layela Yousef, who makes the candy. Despite such sweet happiness for everyone concerned, however, Jeddah Municipality and the Health Affairs office has warned residents not to buy cotton candy from street hawkers. Much of the candy found selling on streets is made in unhygienic circumstances including dirty pots and machines, and the storage in plastic bags is also a health risk.
