| Thread Stage | Binding agent for fruit pastes
A spoonful of sugar drizzled over a plate forms a fine, thin |
223-234 ºF (106-112 ºC) |
| Soft-ball Stage | Fondant, Fudge
A spoonful of sugar dropped into ice water forms a ball that |
234-240 ºF (112-116 C) |
| Firm-ball Stage | Caramel candy
A spoonful dropped into ice water forms a ball that stays firm |
244-248 ºF (118-120 ºC) |
| Hard-ball Stage | Marshmallow
A spoonful dropped into ice water forms a ball that is sticky but |
250-266 ºF (121-130 ºC) |
| Soft-crack Stage | Taffy
Dropped into ice water, the syrup can then be stretched between |
270-290 ºF (132-143 ºC) |
| Hard-crack Stage | Barley sugar
Dropped into water, the syrup will solidify. |
300-310 ºF (149-154 ºC) |
| Light Caramel Stage | Glazes, coating agent
Poured onto a white plate the syrup will be honey-golden in |
320-335 ºF (160-170 ºC) |
| Dark Caramel Stage | Glazes, coating agent
Poured onto a white plate the syrup will be deep reddish amber in |
Up to 350 ºF (177 ºC) |