Candy, known also as sweets and confectionery, has a long history as a familiar food treat that is available in many varieties. Candy varieties are influenced by the size of the sugar crystals, aeration, sugar concentrations, colour and the types of sugar used. Simple sugar or sucrose is turned into candy by dissolving it in water, concentrating this solution through cooking and allowing the mass either to form a mutable solid or to recrystallize. Maple sugar candy has been made in this way for thousands of years, with concentration taking place from both freezing and heating. Other sugars, sugar substitutes, and corn syrup are also used. Jelly candies, such as gumdrops and gummies, use stabilizers including starch, pectin or gelatin. Another type of candy is cotton candy, which is made from spun sugar. In their Thanksgiving Address, Native peoples of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy give special thanks to the Sugar Maple tree as the leader of all trees "to recognize its gift of sugar when the People need it most". In traditional times, maple sugar candy reduced from sap was an important food source in the lean times of winter in North America. Africa South Africa Asia Bangladesh China Chinese candies and sweets, called táng (糖) are usually made with cane sugar, malt sugar, and honey. Japan Korea Philippines Europe Typically, European candies are toffees, nougats and rock candies. Austria Belgium Bulgaria Denmark Finland France Georgia Germany Gummies Gummies are gelatin based chewy candies that come in a variety of shapes, colors and flavors. The gummy bear originated in Germany, where it is popular under the name Gummibär (rubber bear) or Gummibärchen (little rubber bear). Hans Riegel Sr., a candy maker from Bonn, started the Haribo company in 1920. Greece Hungary Italy Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania Russia Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom Scotland Former Yugoslavia and Albania Middle East Turkish delight and rock candy are commonly found in Middle East. Iran Israel Turkey North America Canada Mexico United States South America Panelas, cocadas and natillas are common sweets in South and Central America. Argentina Brazil Colombia Peru Uruguay Oceania Australia New Zealand Western candies The following are candies in the Western world. Gum Chewing gum is often referred to as a type of candy. Chocolate Chocolate is made from the fermented, roasted and ground beans of the tropical cacao tree. In America, cocoa refers to ground cacao beans. Chocolate is the