World's Strangest Candy

Madrid: Violet Candies

What it is: Perhaps because of the expanse of blooming violets north of Madrid, people here love violet candies. Local confectioner Mariano Gil started selling them in 1915—both sugarcoated natural violets, as well as small, flower-shaped candies flavored with violet essence. They’ve attracted lots of fans over the years (including, once upon a time, both King Alfonso’s wife and his mistress).

How it tastes: The candies themselves taste delicately floral; with natural violets, most people agree that you mostly taste sugar.

Where to get it: La Violeta—at both its original shop in Plaza de Canalejas, as well as a newer boutique in Calle Serrano—is as heralded for its packaging (including glass and porcelain cases) as much as the sweets themselves. There’s a reason the shop catered to kings: a couple pounds of violet sweets today costs about $60, while the natural violets will run you $150.