National Jelly Bean Day
April 22nd is National Jelly Bean Day!
It is a day when people from all over the world come together to indulge in their favorite chewy candy! The day is also an opportunity to learn more about the history and cultural significance of this beloved candy.
The History of National Jelly Bean Day
National Jelly Bean Day has been celebrated since 1983, and it was established by President Ronald Reagan, who was the 40th President of the United States at the time.
Reagan had a well-known love for jelly beans and even had a jar of them on his desk in the Oval Office. He declared April 22nd as National Jelly Bean Day in honor of William Schrafft, a Boston candy maker who produced jelly beans during the Civil War.
The History of the Jelly Bean
The exact origins of the first jelly beans are not entirely clear, but it is believed that they have been around since the late 1800s. The candy’s ancestor is Turkish Delight, a sweet gelatin-based confection that dates back hundreds of years.
However, the modern jelly bean as we know it today is credited to a man named William Schrafft. Schrafft was one of Boston’s confectioners who produced jelly beans during the American Civil War. He reportedly sent his candy to soldiers in the Union Army as a way to boost morale.
Jelly beans became more popular in the early 1900s, when they were sold in penny candy stores and became a popular treat for children. The Herman Goelitz Candy Company, now known as the Jelly Belly Candy Company, began producing jelly beans in the 1960s and is responsible for many of the unique and unusual flavors that are now available. Today, jelly beans are a beloved candy that are enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.
The Cultural Significance of Jelly Beans
Jelly beans have become an iconic candy in American culture, often associated with holidays like Easter and Halloween. They are also a popular snack for movie theaters and road trips. The candy has been around since the late 1800s, and it is believed to have originated in Turkey, where a similar candy known as Turkish Delight was made.
Different Flavors of Jelly Beans
One of the things that make jelly beans so popular is the variety of flavors that are available. There are over 50 different flavors of jelly beans, ranging from classic flavors like cherry and grape to more unique flavors of jelly belly beans like buttered popcorn and root beer.
Some brands even offer limited edition flavors for special occasions, like pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving.
Here are some of the most popular flavors of jelly beans:
- Cherry
- Grape
- Lemon
- Lime
- Orange
- Tangerine
- Tropical Fruit
- Strawberry
- Blueberry
- Raspberry
- Watermelon
- Pineapple
- Apple
- Green Apple
- Peach
- Blackberry
- Coconut
- Mango
- Pomegranate
- Kiwi
- Bubblegum
- Cinnamon
- Licorice
- Root Beer
- Buttered Popcorn
- Cotton Candy
- Soft Drink
- Cream Soda
- Tutti Frutti
- Sour Apple
- Sour Cherry
- Sour Lemon
- Sour Orange
- Sour Blue Raspberry
- Sour Grape
- Sour Watermelon
These are just some of the many flavors of jelly beans available. Some brands also offer limited edition or seasonal flavors, like pumpkin pie for Halloween or candy cane for Christmas.
Fun Ideas for Celebrating National Jelly Bean Day
There are many fun ways to celebrate National Jelly Bean Day. Here are a few ideas:
- Have a jelly bean tasting party with friends and family. Set up different flavors of jelly beans and have everyone try to guess what each flavor is.
- Use jelly beans to decorate a cake or cupcakes. Jelly beans make for a colorful and tasty addition to any dessert.
- Create a jelly bean art project. Use jelly beans to make a mosaic or create a piece of art on a canvas.
- Play a jelly bean game. Use a spinner to determine which flavor of jelly bean you have to eat next, or play a game of jelly bean roulette where some of the beans are tasty and others are not.
Health Benefits of Jelly Beans
While jelly beans are often seen as a sugary indulgence, they do have some health benefits. Jelly beans are made with gelatin, which is a protein that is good for your skin, hair, and nails. They also contain small amounts of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and potassium. However, it is important to enjoy jelly beans in moderation as they are also high in sugar and calories.
National Jelly Bean Day is a fun and festive celebration of a beloved candy. Whether you enjoy classic flavors or more unique ones, there is a jelly bean for everyone to enjoy. So grab a bag of your favorite flavors and celebrate this sweet holiday with family and friends.
