Part 6/8:
By the 1700s, sugar plums took on a dual identity in society, not just as confections but also as elements of folk medicine. "Worm purging sugar plums" advertised as sweet alternatives to standard medicine for children, illustrated the intertwining of culinary delights and household remedies in historical health practices.
Moreover, these sweets have been depicted in various literary contexts, solidifying their cultural significance. Notably, in The Nutcracker, the mention of sugar plums connects them to holiday traditions, reinforcing their place in Christmas lore.