Natural hard candy flavors

[gtaubman]

Hey Everyone,
I recently made my first batch of lollipops using orange oil from Lorann Oils. I was somewhat hoping that the difference between machine-made lollipops and homemade lollipops would be the same as the difference between machine-made brownies and homemade brownies. Unfortunately it wasn't quite so severe.

I noticed that most of the flavors tend to be artificial. Does anyone have any experience in using natural flavors? Can I buy a box of blueberries and somehow turn them to concentrated flavor myself? Any pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks!
gabe

 

[PieSusan]

I have found the same thing with Lorann. The candy tastes just like storebought. Some really do taste very artificial.

 

[texasgirl]

Too bad gobo isn't on here. He's the candy man!! I will see if I can find any of his stuff. I'm not sure what he uses for flavors though. Here are some links. Maybe you can pm him and when he sees that, he can help you. Okay, looks like he used Lorann.

http://www.discusscooking.com/forums/showpost.php?p=654059&postcount=1
http://www.discusscooking.com/forums/f44/going-to-try-making-hard-candy-tonight-29552.html