Who Made The Jelly Bean Famous

Today, April 22nd is National Jelly Bean Day, I have no idea why it's always on the 22nd but my guess is it's a great way to get rid of all the leftover jelly beans from Easter. Although I never had to worry about that growing up because my Dad's favorite candy is jelly beans, so if you are ever looking for a gift for my father, you'll NEVER go wrong by getting him that delicious treat.

The Origin Of The Jelly Bean

So where did jelly beans come from? There were many candies like the jelly bean but it all changed in the late 1800s'. In 1861, a Boston confectioner named William Schrafft urged people to send his jelly beans to soldiers during the American Civil War.

I'm glad that William didn't name this candy after himself. I don't know about you but I wouldn't be in a hurry to put a schrafft bean into my mouth and I couldn't say jelly schrafft without giggling a little.

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In the 1930s, the jelly bean became associated only with Easter because of its egg-like shape but over time it has changed. They are not only are they my dad's favorite but it was also the favorite treat for President Ronald Reagan. He would keep a jar of them on his desk at the White House.

Reagan sent a jar of jelly beans with the 1983 Challenger crew as a surprise for them. He was the first to launch jelly beans into space...If you don't count tossing them into the air and catching them in your mouth.

You can go here to enjoy some National Jelly Bean Activities and HAPPY JELLY BEAN DAY!