Grow your own Sugar Crystals

Step 1

Prepare the Sugar Crystal Solution

Step 2

In a saucepan, heat at least three cups of Sugar together with one cup of water. You want to dissolve as much Sugar as possible into the water. While stirring, bring the sugar solution to a boil. Remove the pan from heat and, if you want, add a few drops of food colouring and 1/2 teaspoon of flavouring. Any of the flavouring extracts found in the spice aisle of the grocery store will work, such as lemon, cherry, or mint.

Step 3

While the sugar solution is cooling, prepare a container for growing your rock candy. Suspend a string into a glass or jar. Remember you are planning to eat the rock candy, so use clean materials and don't weight your string with anything you wouldn't want in your mouth. Don't let the string or stick touch the sides or bottom of your container.

Step 4

Growing Sugar Crystals

Step 5

Pour the sugar solution into your jar. If you have leftover solution, you can save it. The sugar solution won't go bad. Grow your rock candy somewhere that it won't be disturbed. Evaporation is important, so cover the top of the container with a coffee filter or paper towel to keep the solution clean yet allow air to circulate.

Step 6

You'll start to see crystals growing in a day or two. Be patient - crystals will form as the water evaporates. If you start to see crystals growing on the top of the container, break them off and eat them or throw them away. If crystals start to grow on the sides or bottom of your container, just transfer the rock candy and crystal solution to a clean glass or jar.

Step 7

Allow your rock candy to grow until you are pleased with the crystals. You can eat the rock candy right away or, if you want to keep it for later, allow it to dry and store it in an airtight container.