National Jellybean Day is celebrated on April 22 every year to pay homage to one of the most popular and beloved candy treats around the world. Jellybeans come in a variety of flavors, colors, and shapes, making them a fun and exciting snack for people of all ages. This day is an opportunity for people to indulge in these colorful sweets and share them with family and friends.

Jellybeans have a fascinating history. They were originally created in the late 1800s as a treat for Civil War soldiers. The first known recipe for them appeared in a Boston Cooking School Magazine in 1869. The original recipe called for mixing sugar, corn syrup, and water, and then boiling and molding the mixture into a bean shape. The flavor was initially only root beer, and they were called “Boston Baked Beans”. This recipe and name eventually evolved into the modern jellybean.

In the early 1900s, jellybean production was largely limited to small batches made by individual confectioners. The first widespread commercial jellybean production began in the 1940s when candy companies like Brach’s, Adams, and Goelitz began mass-producing jellybeans. Their popularity then skyrocketed in the 1930s when they were used in Easter baskets.

Today, jellybeans are a favorite snack for people of all ages and can be found in a wide range of flavors including traditional fruit flavors like cherry, lemon, and grape as well as more unique flavors like buttered popcorn, toasted marshmallow, and even bacon.

The National Confectioners Association (NCA) estimates that approximately 16 billion Jellybeans are consumed in the United States alone each year. Additionally, the NCA estimates that the global market for jellybeans is worth over $1 billion.

 

Some fun facts about jellybeans include:

• It takes 7-21 days to make a jellybean.
• The most popular jellybean flavor is cherry.
• Ronald Reagan was a big fan of jellybeans and famously kept a jar of them on his desk in the Oval Office.
• Jelly Belly, one of the most popular jellybean brands, produces more than 150 different flavors.
• It’s estimated that Americans consume 16 billion jellybeans during the Easter holiday season alone.

 

Here is a fun Recipe using Jellybeans as an ingredient:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. of white chocolate chips
• 1 cup of jellybeans, sorted by color
• Sprinkles or other decorations (optional)

Instructions:

1. Line a 9×13 inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
3. Pour the melted white chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula.
4. Sprinkle the jellybeans on top of the white chocolate, arranging them in your desired pattern or color scheme.
5. Add any additional decorations, such as sprinkles or candy pearls.
6. Chill the jellybean bark in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
7. Once the bark has hardened, break it into pieces and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

It is unlikely that you will make your own Jellybeans. But in case you do, here is the recipe:

 

Homemade Jellybean Recipe

Ingredients:

– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

– 1 cup corn syrup

– ½ cup water

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 2 tablespoons butter

– Food coloring (optional)

– Flavoring extracts (optional)

 

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and add the vanilla extract and butter. Stir to combine.
5. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and/or flavoring extracts.
6. Pour the mixture into a greased 8-inch square baking pan.
7. Allow the mixture to cool and set for several hours.
8. Cut the jellybean mixture into small squares or use a cookie cutter to make various shapes.
9. Roll each piece of jellybean in a mixture of equal parts granulated sugar and cornstarch.
10. Enjoy!

 

This recipe is a fun and easy way to incorporate jellybeans into a sweet treat that’s perfect for any celebration or holiday. So, whether you enjoy them by themselves or use them to decorate cakes and cupcakes, National Jellybean Day is a day to celebrate the sweet, chewy goodness of this beloved candy treat. What is your favorite jellybean flavor?