Jelly beans are small, bean-shaped candies that are popular all around the world. They come in a variety of colors and flavors and are enjoyed by both kids and adults. But have you ever wondered about the history of jelly beans? Where did they come from and how did they become so popular? In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of jelly beans and some interesting facts about them.
The Origin Of Jelly Beans
The origin of jelly beans is a bit of a mystery, but it is believed that they were first made in the late 19th century in the United States. They were initially sold as a penny candy and were popular among children. The first jelly beans were made with a hard outer shell and a soft, chewy center. They were made in a variety of flavors, including cherry, lemon, lime, and grape.
The Jelly Bean Boom
Jelly beans really became popular during the 1930s, when they were advertised as a treat that could provide a burst of flavor in a small package. They were also popular during World War II, as they were included in soldiers' ration kits. During this time, jelly beans became available in a wider range of flavors, including licorice, root beer, and buttered popcorn.
The Reagan Connection
Jelly beans had a big moment in the 1980s, when President Ronald Reagan became known for his love of the candy. Reagan was a big fan of jelly beans and always had a jar of them on his desk in the Oval Office. This helped to make jelly beans even more popular and cemented their status as an American classic.
The Largest Jelly Bean
The largest jelly bean ever made was created in 1996 by the Goelitz Candy Company (now known as the Jelly Belly Candy Company). It weighed 6,050 pounds and was 3 feet wide and 5 feet tall. It was made in honor of the company's 100th anniversary and took more than a week to create.
The Most Popular Jelly Bean Flavor
According to a survey conducted by the National Confectioners Association, the most popular jelly bean flavor in the United States is cherry. Other popular flavors include strawberry, grape, and blueberry. However, the most popular jelly bean flavor can vary depending on where you are in the world.
The Jelly Belly Revolution
In the 1970s, a new type of jelly bean was introduced by the Goelitz Candy Company. These jelly beans were called Jelly Belly and they were smaller, softer, and came in a wider range of flavors than traditional jelly beans. Jelly Belly quickly became popular and is now one of the most well-known brands of jelly beans in the world.
A Colorful Treat
One of the things that makes jelly beans so fun is their bright and colorful appearance. Jelly beans come in a wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. They are often used to decorate cakes and other desserts, and are a popular addition to candy buffets at weddings and other events.
The Jelly Bean Prayer
The Jelly Bean Prayer is a popular Easter tradition that involves using jelly beans to teach children about the story of Jesus. Each color of jelly bean represents a different part of the story, such as the red jelly bean representing Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and the white jelly bean representing the purity of his love.
A Guinness World Record
In 2014, a group of students from the University of Birmingham in the UK set a Guinness World Record for the highest tower of jelly beans. The tower was made up of 659 jelly beans and stood at a height of 1.24 meters (4 feet 1 inch). The students used toothpicks to stack the jelly beans and spent more than six hours building the tower.
The World's Largest Jelly Bean Mosaic
In 2016, the Jelly Belly Candy Company created the world's largest jelly bean mosaic. The mosaic was made up of more than 1.28 million jelly beans and measured 4 meters by 4.5 meters (13 feet by 15 feet). The mosaic was created to celebrate the company's 40th anniversary and took more than 800 hours to complete.
Conclusion
Jelly beans are a fun and delicious candy that have been enjoyed for over a century. From their humble beginnings as a penny candy to their status as a worldwide phenomenon, jelly beans have come a long way. Whether you prefer traditional jelly beans or the more modern Jelly Belly variety, there is no denying the appeal of these colorful treats.