Jelly beans are a beloved candy that has been enjoyed by people around the world for decades. These small, sugary treats come in a variety of flavors and colors, making them a favorite among candy lovers of all ages. With Easter just around the corner, candy experts estimate that more than 4.6 billion jelly beans will be made to fill up Easter baskets and satisfy sweet cravings.
The process of making jelly beans is rather complicated and involves several steps. According to William Kelley, a fourth-generation candy maker and vice chairman of the Jelly Belly Candy Company, it takes 7 to 10 days to make a Jelly Belly jelly bean. The process begins with creating the candy mixture, which is made up of sugar, corn syrup, and other ingredients. The mixture is then heated to a specific temperature and poured into molds that shape the candy into its signature bean shape.
Once the beans have cooled and hardened in the molds, they are removed, polished, and coated with a shiny shell. The process of polishing the beans gives them their distinct shine and eliminates any bumps or imperfections. The next step is adding the flavors and colors to the candy. Jelly Belly has over 100 different flavors of jelly beans, ranging from classic flavors like cherry and grape to more unique flavors like buttered popcorn and blueberry muffin.
The history of jelly beans can be traced back to the late 19th century when candy makers began creating small, jelly-like candies in a variety of shapes and flavors. The term "jelly bean" was first coined in the early 1900s, and the popularity of the candy skyrocketed during the 1930s and 1940s. During this time, jelly beans were often given as prizes at carnivals and fairs, and they were also popular among soldiers during World War II.
Today, jelly beans are enjoyed around the world and have become a symbol of Easter. The tradition of filling up Easter baskets with candy and sweets dates back to the early 1900s, and jelly beans are often included in these baskets alongside other classic Easter candies like chocolate bunnies and marshmallow chicks. In addition to being a popular treat during Easter, jelly beans are also enjoyed year-round as a sweet snack and a favorite candy for parties and special events.
In conclusion, jelly beans are a beloved candy that has been enjoyed by people for generations. The process of making jelly beans is complex and involves several steps, but it results in a sweet and colorful candy that is enjoyed around the world. With Easter just around the corner, candy makers are working hard to make billions of jelly beans to fill up Easter baskets and satisfy sweet cravings. Whether enjoyed as a part of a holiday tradition or as a sweet snack, jelly beans will continue to be a beloved candy for years to come.