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a specific temperature reached during candy making where sugar syrup forms a hard, flexible ball when dropped into cold water
What is the "hard ball stage"?
The hard ball stage is a specific temperature reached during the cooking of sugar syrups, typically between 250°F and 265°F, which is 121°C and 129°C, on a candy thermometer. At this temperature, the sugar syrup forms a thick, sticky mass when dropped into cold water, creating a "hard ball" that holds its shape but can still be molded. The hard ball stage is commonly used in candy-making to create firm candies such as caramels, toffees, and fudges. Recipes that require reaching the hard ball stage often specify it as a crucial step in achieving the desired texture and consistency of the final product.
