Jelly beans are small bean-shaped candies that are often associated with Easter and other holidays. They are made by coating a soft candy center with a hard sugar shell. Jelly beans come in a variety of flavors and colors, and are often sold in mixed bags or arranged in colorful patterns for decorative purposes.
The origins of jelly beans are unclear, but they are believed to have originated in the United States during the 19th century. The candy became more popular during the Civil War, when it was included in soldiers’ rations as a quick source of energy. In the 20th century, jelly beans gained further popularity and became associated with Easter and other holidays.
Today, jelly beans are produced by many different candy companies and are enjoyed all over the world. They are often used as a decorative element in candy dishes, as well as in various arts and crafts projects. Some people even collect jelly beans, seeking out rare and unusual flavors to add to their collections.
Jelly Beans
Let’s take a look at these 22 interesting facts about jelly beans to know more about it.
- Jelly beans were first created in the late 1800s and were originally sold as a penny candy.
- They became especially popular during the American Civil War, when they were included in soldiers’ rations.
- The first jelly beans were made with a hard shell and soft center, similar to today’s jelly beans.
- Jelly beans were a favorite candy of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, who always kept a jar of them on his desk.
- The largest jelly bean ever made weighed over 6,000 pounds and was created in Illinois in 2014.
- Jelly Belly, one of the most well-known jelly bean brands, was founded in 1898.
- Jelly Belly’s “Very Cherry” flavor is their most popular, followed by “Buttered Popcorn.”
- The first jelly beans were sold in single flavors, but soon became popular in mixed bags.
- Jelly beans come in a wide range of flavors, from traditional fruit flavors to more unique flavors like buttered popcorn and cotton candy.
- Some jelly bean flavors are only available seasonally, such as pumpkin spice and candy cane.
- Jelly beans are often used in games, such as guessing the number of jelly beans in a jar or the “BeanBoozled” game where players spin a wheel to determine whether they’ll get a tasty or disgusting flavor.
- The largest producer of jelly beans in the world is the Jelly Belly Candy Company, which produces over 100 flavors of jelly beans.
- Jelly beans were one of the first candies to be sold in vending machines.
- In 1983, the song “Jellybean” by dance artist Madonna was released and became a hit.
- Some people collect and trade rare or unusual jelly bean flavors, such as the Harry Potter-themed “Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans.”
- Jelly beans have been sent to space on several NASA missions, including on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983.
- There is a Guinness World Record for the most jelly beans eaten in one minute, which is currently held by Patrick Bertoletti who ate 45 jelly beans in one minute.
- Jelly beans are a common decoration for Easter baskets and are often used in Easter egg hunts.
- The term “jelly bean” is sometimes used to describe a small, flashy sports car.
- In the United Kingdom, jelly beans are often referred to as “jelly babies.”
- The candy coating on jelly beans is made from sugar, corn syrup, and wax.
- Jelly beans are a popular ingredient in creative dessert recipes, such as jelly bean bark and jelly bean fudge.
Jelly beans are a popular candy that has been enjoyed for over a century. These small, bean-shaped treats come in a wide variety of flavors and colors, making them a fun and versatile snack. Jelly beans have an interesting history, with roots in ancient Turkish candy-making techniques and a modern-day association with Easter celebrations. Whether you enjoy them by the handful or use them as a decorative accent, jelly beans are sure to brighten up any day.
