jelly Beans

Today is Jelly Bean day. Jelly beans are among my favorites in all candy. Jelly beans were created in the United States but the true original creator is not known. They are thought to be a combination of the Turkish delight treat so many love and the shell of the Jordan almond.

Did you know that they were the first candy to be sold by weight rather than by piece. However, before that they were sold by color. I can only imagine that this has something to do with their small size.

Jelly beans have been in many different eras and places since their beginning. Jelly beans were present during the civil war to the Union Soldier. They were even present during inauguration of an American President, Ronald Reagan. Reagan loved jelly beans and credited them for helping him stop smoking. Reagan kept a jar of jelly beans on his desk while governor of California so it was no surprise when he celebrated being elected to the office of American president. His personal favorite flavor was licorice but the colors invited to the inauguration party were none other than red, white and blue.  Jelly beans have ever been to outer space. In 1982 jelly beans traveled to outer space on the challenger. In addition, if you visit Ronald Reagan's Presidential Library there is a portrait of him made with around 10,000 jelly beans.

It takes between 7 and 21 days to make jelly beans. Each year in the U.S. 16 billion jelly beans are made and sold. Jelly Beans have a long shelf life as well, lasting between 1 to 2 years. Jelly beans are so loved by both children and adults that there are two days that jelly beans are celebrated. Today, July 24th and again in April. July 31st will once again be a day with jelly beans as part of the theme, Jumping for Jelly Beans Day.

Did you know that jelly beans were once a candy created for Christmas?? It was not until after it was noticed that they resembled eggs that they became a treat that was perfect for Easter. Easter is now the top selling holiday time for jelly beans.

Dieters === Here is a treat that you may want to exchange your calories for. One can have 35 jelly beans for 130 calories or 37 grams of sugar. If you are dieting and have a sweet tooth this is the area to go. Jelly beans are also gluten free, dairy free, peanut free and fat free. 

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