Saltwater taffy is Jersey Shore's trademark souvenir, a chewy assortment of pastel-colored candies, each one individually wrapped in wax paper. The sweet treat has a British origin and its name is an Americanized version of the word toffee. In the late 19th century, Joseph Fralinger, a glassblower by trade, opened a taffy stand on the Atlantic City beach, and the candies were a great success. Saltwater taffy consists of melted butter and sugar, cooked over an open fire, and cooled on marble slabs. The method of production is unique - as the mixture cools, it is thrown onto large hooks and pulled by hand until it gets soft and chewy in texture. Although the name suggests it, the candy does not contain saltwater, instead - just a pinch of salt. With a variety of colors and flavors such as peanut butter, vanilla, and chocolate, taffy has spread far beyond Jersey Shore, its tender and chewy texture providing a hefty dose of sugar to consumers with a sweet tooth.

Source: Taste Atlas