Jelly Beans

Guide Note

Small, sugar-based candies, Jelly Beans originated as an even smaller form of Turkish Delight and first became popular during the American Civil War.

Jelly beans typically have chewy interiors and can come in hundreds of flavors, though fruit flavors are still the most dominant.

Fast Facts

1. Main ingredient is Sugar
2. April 22: National Jelly Bean Day
3. Became associated with Easter in the 1930s
4. 16 billion jelly beans are produced for Easter every year
5. World's largest jar of jelly beans weight over 6,000 pounds

Jelly Belly has popularized a series of creative flavors in the early 21st century, including jalapeno, margarita and buttered popcorn. The rise of American coffee culture has precipitated several coffee-based flavors, including Cappuccino and Cafe Latte.

The Harry Potter novels include a product called "Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans," which includes a series of revolting flavors. Corresponding with the release of the film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Jelly Belly released an assortment of Bertie Bott's Beans. Among these flavors are sausage, pickle, vomit and bacon.

The center of the jelly bean is produced first. Sugar and syrup are boiled, then squirted into cornstarch-coated trays to dry. These trays form them into the shape of small beans. After being coated with sugar and steamed, they are left alone for up to two days to dry and cool. Another several days are used to "glaze" the bean with a further layer of sugar.