A starch mogul is a machine that makes shaped candy or candy centers from syrups or gels, such as gummi candy. These softer candies and centers are made by filling a tray with cornstarch, stamping the desired shape into the starch, and then pouring the filling or gel into the holes made by the stamp. When the candies have set, they are removed from the trays and the starch is recycled.
Starch moguls were invented around 1899 and were in common use within the next two decades. Early designs were built from wood, though were later fabricated in steel.
Starch moguls also improved worker safety. Previously, starch rooms tended to have dangerously high levels of starch in the air. Workers would breathe this and develop respiratory illnesses. By reducing the amount of combustible starch in the air, the machines also significantly reduced the risk of dust explosions and fire.
Potato starch is considered unsuitable, as it has a tendency to clump when drying. More typical choices are wheat, rice, or Corn starch.
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