Why is there a hole in a mint? Was it to cut corners?

This article was reviewed by Pa Li Ze, chief physician of nutrition, member of the Science Popularization Committee of the Chinese Nutrition Society

Every time I go out to eat, I always find some individually wrapped mints at the entrance of the restaurant. When you finish your meal and are ready to leave, the waiter will hand each person one.

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After eating hot pot, barbecue and other heavy-tasting foods, a refreshing mint candy can not only eliminate the greasiness of the food, but also refresh your breath. But have you noticed that these mints have one thing in common - there is a hole in the middle. What is the purpose of this hole? Is it to cut corners? Let's uncover this secret together today.

It turns out that a small mint candy holds so many secrets.

The earliest mint candies did not have holes. In order to reduce the risk of choking due to candy getting stuck, mint candies now have a hole. The same goes for the small hole on the top of the pen cap.

Secondly, mint candies have the characteristics of sweetness and coolness in taste. The larger the surface area of ​​the candy, the sweeter it tastes. At the same time, the merchants will spray a special powdered flavor of natural mint on the hole wall to double the coolness. And this shape also adds some fun when eating.

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Finally, the earliest factory that produced mints was named "Lifesaver", so the design of it in a shape similar to a lifebuoy is also very commemorative.

However, it is not advisable to eat too much mint candy, as excessive consumption may increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.

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