Tips to Growing Sugar Crystals

Heat Sterilization

• Sterilize the jars to remove any lingering bacteria, dirt or food particles before filling the jars with the water sugar solution. Growing sugar crystals in a clean environment will ensure that they are safe to eat. Sterilization will also heat the jars, thus avoiding severe temperature change when the hot sugar water is added. Sugar crystals will form on the walls of the jar instead of the string if the sugar solution is added to a cold jar. Boil the jars for five minutes in a large pot of water, and leave them in the water until they are needed.

Saturation

• A fully saturated solution will allow crystals to grow faster and bigger. Saturation refers to the amount of sugar molecules in the solution; the more sugar, the more saturated it is. There is a limit to saturation because the water can only hold so much sugar. Add more sugar, 1 tbsp. at a time to the hot water until the sugar can no longer dissolve. Stop adding the sugar when it begins to pool on the bottom, even when it is reheated and stirred.

Seed Crystals

• Using seed crystals will help speed up the sugar crystal growth. Seed crystals are like starter crystals; they are an advanced boost and will make your crystal form faster than just using a bare string or stick. A seed can be made using a string or a large piece of melted, hardened sugar. To make a seed, dip the string or stick into the saturated sugar solution and allow it to harden completely. When dry, lower the seeded string into the jar.

Waiting

• The best tip for growing sugar crystals is to wait. The longer you wait, the larger the crystal will grow. A crystal should form after one week, and after two to three weeks it will be much larger. Have patience and place a protective covering such as foil or plastic wrap over the jar to protect it from air and dust.