An unusual sweet treat is coming to the Palmerton festival craft tent.

Vaillette’s Lehigh Treats of Slatington is a local producer of freeze dried candy.

“We actually make almost 50 different candies, and usually have over 36 at any event,” said David Vaillette, owner of the family business.

“With 13 flavors of Skiddles, 18 flavors of Salt Water Taffy and conventional candies such as Charleston Chews, Jolly Ranchers, Peach Rings and more, there is quite a variety to choose from,” he said.

Just a year old, the business has been at Carbon County Fair, Wheels of Time and Nazareth Firemen’s Carnival. In all, the business has 140 events on the schedule this year. The business has online sales as well.

Vaillette said the business developed from his hobby of canning and looking into another way to preserve food.

The difference between freeze dried candies and the originals is the texture.

“I describe the Skiddles as having the texture of Cocoa Puffs with an intense Skittle flavor. (Yes, I sell Skiddles, made from Skittles,” Vaillette said.)

Salt Water Taffy is now dry and will dissolve in your mouth without chewing.

Gummy products, such as peach rings, become dry crunchy.

The biggest sellers are Original and Wild Berry Skiddles, Happy Ranchers and Peachy Rings.

The business also takes orders for custom party trays and baskets.

Check the website at www.LehighTreats.com or follow them on Facebook at Lehigh Treats.