National Caramel Day: The Best Candy Stores In Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, AL - In case you did not already know, Friday, April 4, is National Caramel Day. The popular candy is not only used as a topping and an ingredient in cookies and cakes, but is also enjoyed on its own in a variety of ways.

Caramel is a medium to dark-orange confectionery product made by heating a variety of sugar. The process of caramelization consists of heating sugar slowly to around 338 degrees. As the sugar heats, the molecules break down and re-form into compounds with a characteristic color and flavor.

So, now that you know the basics on caramel, where can you find some Friday in honor of the tasty confectionery?

Patch consulted a variety of online consumer-content publications and ratings to come up with the best candy stores and boutiques in the Birmingham area:

1. Sugar; 69 Church Street, Mountain Brook
2. Birmingham Candy Co.; 1821 2nd Avenue N, Birmingham
3. Lynn's Over The Top Toffee; 1032 Inverness Cove Way, Hoover
4. Babyl; 2758 Pelham Parkway, Pelham
5. Chocolata; 1927 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham

Although the origins of National Caramel Day are unknown, it is recognized annually on April 5, and has been celebrated with caramel-specific festivals in Indiana, South Carolina and California, among other states.