What is the impact of high humidity on set sugar pieces?

High humidity significantly affects set sugar pieces by promoting crystallization. When the environment is humid, the water vapor in the air can be absorbed by the sugar, causing it to dissolve slightly. This leads to a situation where sugar can recrystallize as the humidity fluctuates or when the sugar cools. The process of absorption and subsequent crystallization can disrupt the smooth texture of the sugar pieces, resulting in a grainy or gritty finish. This is particularly important in confectionery, where the desired texture of products like hard candy or pulled sugar is smooth and glossy. Therefore, the impact of high humidity is critical in the production and storage of sugar confections.