What is the Age of Jelly Bean

If you have ever savored a jelly bean, you might have wondered about its origin and how long this tasty treat has been around. Jelly beans are small, colorful candies with a soft gelatinous center and a hard sugar coating. They are loved by people of all ages, and their popularity has only grown over the years. But what is the age of jelly bean?

To trace the history of jelly beans, we have to go back to ancient times. The concept of combining sugar with fruits and flowers dates back thousands of years. However, the modern-day jelly bean as we know it today did not emerge until the 19th century.

The first known mention of a jelly bean-like candy appeared in a Boston newspaper advertisement in 1861. It described a confection called “jelly beans” and advertised them to be sent to soldiers fighting in the American Civil War. These early jelly beans were rather different from the ones we see today. They were larger in size and had a hard shell with a softer interior.

It wasn’t until the early 20th century that jelly beans began to resemble more closely the ones we enjoy today. In 1905, a famous candy maker named William Schrafft introduced a smaller jelly bean with a more refined sugar coating. This innovation made jelly beans more visually appealing while retaining their delightful taste.

The true age of the jelly bean as we know it arrived in the 1930s when a company called Just Born, Inc. started mass-producing jelly beans. Just Born, Inc. is the same company that later brought us the iconic Peeps marshmallow treats. They saw the potential of jelly beans and realized they could be a staple candy enjoyed year-round, rather than just during certain holidays.

One of the key moments that put jelly beans on the map occurred in the 1960s when then-President Ronald Reagan expressed his love for jelly beans. Reagan, known for being a charismatic leader, often had jars of jelly beans on his desk during meetings. This endorsement elevated the popularity of jelly beans to new heights and solidified their place in American candy culture.

Fast forward to the present day, and jelly beans have become an essential part of various festive occasions, such as Easter celebrations. They are available in an assortment of flavors, including fruity, sour, and even spicy. Jelly beans have also inspired various spin-offs, such as gourmet jelly beans that offer unique and unconventional flavors like popcorn, cinnamon roll, or even Harry Potter-inspired flavors like butterbeer.

The age of jelly beans has seen remarkable expansion, both in terms of flavor variety and global popularity. People around the world enjoy these colorful candies, and they continue to captivate taste buds with their delightful texture and sweet taste.

In conclusion, the age of the jelly bean can be traced back to the 19th century, with its modern-day form evolving in the early 20th century. From larger, hard-shelled confections to the smaller, sugar-coated treats we savor today, jelly beans have come a long way. They have become a symbol of joy and indulgence, enchanting our taste buds for generations to come.