Claeys Candies at Laurel Meat Market

I tried to eat the all-natural candies, but I came back to licorice flavor in the end.

Claeys is an Indiana company that sells bags of hard candies in everything from lemon to cherry to root beer.  At Laurel Meat Market and at the Dutch Country Farmers Market, they generally stock Claeys in sassafras, licorice and horehound.  Horehound is a natural herb, and I thought it would be good to try something that wasn't artificial.

If you like horehound, than this is the treat for you.  The flavor starts like root beer, but it ends bitter and just a touch harsh to me.  So I'm back to licorice -- even though it is artificial and way too harsh for Mrs. HowChow.  I have to pop a sassafras to clean the taste and get a smooch.

(Update:  In May 2009, the Laurel Meat Market had several other flavors of Claeys, including lemon drops that are naturally flavored although artificially colored.  They're nice too.  Lightly sour, then sweet.)

If you're just looking for candy, they're cheaper at Laurel Meat Market.  But the Dutch Country Farmers Market is great fun to check out.  If you're looking for candy, check out all the posts about candy.

Laurel Meat Market
347 Main Street
Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 725-5855

NEAR: The market is on Main Street in Laurel just west of U.S. 1. You can get there by driving south on U.S. 1 and then right on Main Street or by taking Rte 216 east off I-95 and then left on Main Street.