Chronicle Editor
By So Sweet
JELLY beans, those colourful, chewy sweets that have become a staple in sweet jars and Easter baskets, have a history as rich and varied as their flavours. The origins of jelly beans are somewhat obscure, but they are believed to be a hybrid of two much older confections — Turkish delights and Jordan almonds.
Turkish delights, known for their chewy texture and powdered sugar coating, have been a popular treat in Turkey for centuries. Jordan almonds, on the other hand, are almonds coated in a hard sugar shell, a tradition that dates back to ancient Rome. The combination of the chewy centre of Turkish delights and the hard shell of Jordan almonds is thought to have inspired the creation of jelly beans.
The first known reference to jelly beans in the United States dates back to the late 1800s. William Schrafft, a Boston confectioner, is credited with encouraging Americans to send jelly beans to soldiers fighting in the Civil War. By the early 1900s, jelly beans had become a popular penny sweet, enjoyed by children and adults alike.
It wasn’t until the 1930s that jelly beans became associated with Easter. Their egg-like shape made them a natural fit for the holiday, symbolising new life and rebirth. Today, jelly beans are one of the most popular Easter sweets, with billions produced each year specifically for the holiday.
Jelly beans received a significant boost in popularity in the mid-20th century thanks to Ronald Reagan. The former governor of California and later President of the United States was a well-known fan of the sweet. Reagan reportedly used jelly beans to help him quit smoking, and he always had a jar of them on hand, even in the Oval Office. The Jelly Belly Candy Company, a major producer of jelly beans, even created a special blueberry flavour in honour of Reagan’s inauguration.
The process of making jelly beans is surprisingly complex and time-consuming. It takes between seven to 21 days to produce a single jelly bean. The process begins with heating liquid sugar and flavours, which are then mixed with starch and glucose. This mixture is poured into bean-shaped moulds and left to dry overnight. The next day, the beans go through a steam bath and are sprayed with sugar. They are then placed in a rotating drum where colours and flavours are added. Finally, grains of sugar are poured in to create the hard shell, and the beans are coated with hot syrup and wax to give them their shine.
Here are some unknown facts about jelly beans:
1. In 1983, jelly beans were sent into space on the Space Shuttle Challenger as a treat for the astronauts.
2. April 22 is celebrated as National Jelly Bean Day in the United States.
3. The largest jelly bean ever made weighed over 6 000 pounds and was created in Illinois in 2014.
4. Jelly Belly, one of the most well-known jelly bean brands, produces over 100 different flavours, including unique ones like buttered popcorn and jalapeño.
5. In the 1910s and 1920s, the term “jelly bean” was slang for a young man who dressed stylishly but had little else to recommend him, similar to the terms “dandy” or “fop”.
Jelly beans have not only been a favourite treat but have also made their mark in popular culture. During Beatlemania in the 1960s, fans in the United States pelted the Beatles with jelly beans, emulating British fans who threw Jelly Babies at the band. Additionally, jelly beans have been featured in various games and challenges, such as the “BeanBoozled” game, where players spin a wheel to determine whether they will get a tasty or disgusting flavour.
From their mysterious origins to their association with Easter and their journey into space, jelly beans have a fascinating history. These small, colourful sweets have captured the hearts of many, becoming a beloved treat around the world. Whether enjoyed during the holidays or as a sweet snack, jelly beans continue to bring joy and a burst of flavour to sweet lovers everywhere.
Now that you know more about jelly beans, step into our So Sweet shop and grab some for the weekend!
Online Reporter