A Brief History of Jelly Beans
Like many candy products, the origin of Jelly Beans is not exactly known but many experts believe a derivative of this candy dates back to Biblical times.
To clarify, an offshoot of the soft centered jelly bean was a confection referred to as Turkish Delight which originated in Istanbul, Turkey. While it wasn't a jelly bean, it was a candy with a firm outer shell and a soft, chewy center.
As per the soft round jelly bean, the candy is an offshoot of Confetti which we know as Jordan Almonds. This candy is manufactured using a process called panning which has its origins in 17 th Century France. To read a brief history of Jordan Almonds, please click here.
The operation is quite simple and has changed little over the centuries. In creating Jordan Almonds, raw nuts were put in a bowl filled with sugar and syrup and, literally, rocked until the almonds were coated. Initially, this was done by hand, however, today, this process is automated.
As to when panning was applied to Jelly Beans remains open for speculation but experts feel that it occurred in the late 1800's as the earliest recorded advertisement was made by William Schraft in which he promoted sending these treats to Union Soldiers engaged in the Civil War.
In the early 1900's, Jelly Beans became a staple penny candy item and were one, if not the, first confectionary items to be sold by weight hence the claim that they were the first bulk candy.
The peak season for Jelly Beans is Easter and it wasn't until the 1930's that they became part of the festive tradition.
As the egg shape represents fertility and birth, the jelly bean serves as a perfect holiday metaphor. The fictional and beloved Easter Bunny is believed to deliver eggs as a sign of the coming of spring and spiritual rebirth.
Jelly beans continue to be an American favorite and approximately 14 billion were sold last year. If you lined these end to end, they would circle the globe three times!
McKeesport Candy Co. has offered jelly beans in a variety of shapes and sizes for over 75 years and continues to offer one of the largest selections available.
We currently offer the following varieties:
BRACH'S JELLY BEANS
McKeesport Candy Co. was one of the first wholesalers in the nation to offer Brach's Jelly Beans and continue to do so today. We consider them to be amongst the best jelly beans available!
- Smuckers Fruit Jelly Beans
- Brachs Premium Peacock Eggs
- Brach's Black Jelly Beans
- Brach's Fruit Jelly Beans
- Brach's Spice Jelly Beans
REGULAR JELLY BEANS
JELLY BELLY JELLY BEANS
We carry the full line of Jelly Belly Jelly Beans, to browse the full product listing, please click here
TEENEE BEANEE JELLY BEANS
