As a candy collector, I’m often asked whether I save actual edible candy or just the packaging. My answer usually goes that I’m technically a candy packaging collector, so I always try to separate a wrapper or box from the confection it contains. Excepting in rare cases, I almost never save the contents.
I think the only way to be sure of preservation is to operate with a never-save-the-candy rule. I’ve even cracked open seemingly-stable, decades-old candy packages that other folks have lovingly saved unopened. That has led to laments by some at my unsealing what you might call a “mint in package” candy bar or pack of bubblegum. And while I do understand the sadness at seeing something whole made less-so, my goal is always long-term preservation.
With today’s post, I hope to make a compelling (and pretty gross) case as to why saving unopened candy can be a very bad idea.