Candy canes, peppermint bark, and minty mochas are quintessential signs of the holiday season. But how did peppermint, a herb typically harvested in spring and summer, become so strongly associated with winter? The connection is less straightforward than that of autumnal flavors like pumpkin or apple.
The peppermint phenomenon likely began with candy canes, which have a history spanning several centuries. According to Carly Schildhaus, director of communications at the National Confectioners Association, “Candy canes are among the most popular treats for the winter holiday season, and 75% of Americans prefer a classic peppermint candy cane over any other type.” Historians trace the candy cane back to 17th-century Europe, where legend suggests a choirmaster commissioned sugar sticks shaped like shepherd’s crooks to quiet children during Christmas services. These treats eventually arrived in America, with the iconic red and white stripes possibly originating with a confectioner in Albany, Georgia, though the exact origin remains uncertain. Even today, candy canes remain a holiday staple, sparking debates about the optimal eating method: “When asked about the right way to eat a candy cane, 54% of people say they begin with the straight end, while 30% start with the curved end,” Schildhaus notes. “Another 16% of respondents break their candy cane into pieces.”
Beyond candy canes, peppermint’s association with winter might stem from its long history of medicinal use. Its cooling properties, thanks to menthol, make it an effective remedy for digestive and respiratory issues that often worsen in colder months. This “cooling effect” is key to its appeal, explains Rasheed Perry, a scientist at NYU’s Food and Nutrition Studies department: “Menthol interacts with the body’s internal temperature modulation…It tricks the body into thinking that it’s experiencing something cool when the temperature has not changed.” The craving for this cooling sensation during winter, despite the already cold temperatures, may be a matter of contrast and association. We connect peppermint’s coolness with the coldness of winter and the overall holiday season. Helene Hopfer, an associate professor of food science at Pennsylvania State University, suggests that this preference might be about enjoying a “cold” sensation without being exposed to the harsh cold outdoors.
Ultimately, the enduring link between peppermint and the holidays is likely a complex interplay of tradition, sensory experience, and cultural association. As Hopfer explains, the consumption of peppermint treats during the holidays often occurs in a relaxed and joyful setting, strengthening the mental link between the flavor and positive feelings. This, combined with the unique sensory experience of menthol, ensures that candy canes and peppermint treats remain festive favorites for years to come.