Celebrate Jelly Bean Day Every April 22
Guess what we celebrate every April 22?
(Yes, Earth Day, and that’s an important cause. But guess what other day it is?!)
It’s Jelly Bean Day!
That’s right. These fun little candies with a sugary shell and soft gelatin center have their own day.
Whether you prefer the more traditional fruity beans or the exotic flavors from Jelly Belly and other gourmet beans, it’s hard not to love the jelly bean.
We haven’t been able to find who started Jelly Bean Day or when. But we’ll bet it was someone who just couldn’t get enough of these sweet, chewy beans.
Jelly Bean Fun Facts and Trivia
Jelly beans have a long history. We’re not sure how long, but experts believe they are a combination of the Middle Eastern soft candy called Turkish Delight and the coating used on Jordan almonds.
Turkish Delights date to Biblical times. And the candy coating on Jordan almonds was invented in France during the 17th century.
Jelly Beans Boost Soldier Morale
The jelly bean existed at least by the time of the Civil War. At that time, Boston candy maker William Schrafft asked people to send jelly beans to Union Soldiers. Of course, he was probably also trying to increase sales of his candy.
We’re not sure if Mr. Schrafft invented the jelly bean or just started making and advertising it.
Jelly Beans and Easter
Their Easter connection is much more recent. They became a traditional Easter treat around the 1930s.
Hurling Jelly Beans at Beatles
American fans of the Beatles threw jelly beans at them. Why? Apparently the rumor was that the band liked a candy called jelly babies. Americans didn’t know what those were and substituted jelly beans.
Unfortunately jelly beans hurt when you get hit by them. The band got tired of this and announced they did not, in fact, like jelly babies. And probably not jelly beans either!
A Presidential Connection
President Ronald Reagan kept a jar of jelly beans on his desk in the Oval Office.
Gourmet Jelly Beans
Jelly Belly jelly beans burst onto the scene in the 1980s. And they revolutionized the sweet bean in more ways than one. Not only did they come in fun new flavors (think caramel corn, buttered popcorn and cotton candy), but the fruit flavors were made with real fruit juice. Up until then the candies were generally artificially flavored.
The company also made a special flavor just for President Reagan, the Blueberry Jelly Belly (although his favorites were licorice).
A Really Big Jelly Bean … And Lots of Small Ones
The world’s largest jelly bean, presented to the world on October 15, 1999, weighed 6,050 pounds.
Candy makers churn out more than 16 billion jelly beans every year. That’s some sweet tooth!
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this sweet, chewy, unofficial holiday.
Ideas For Celebrating Jelly Bean Day
Eat jelly beans! (Duh ;) )
Of course, you could get a bit more creative than just popping open a bag of jelly beans and eating a handful … Or two or three.
Have a Jelly Bean Contest
Fill a jar in the morning and have a “how many beans are in the jar” contest. No fair eating the beans until after a winner has been declared. Because that would, you know, change the number!
You’ll have to decide if the winner gets the jar of jelly beans or if you want to keep that for yourself and award a different prize.
Have a jelly bean party
Make your centerpiece from jelly beans. Fill small glass jars with the candies and arrange them on the table. Make sure you have at least as many jars as guests. Then each guest can have a jar as a party favor.
Play the Jelly Belly Bean Boozled game. Are you brave enough to see if you get the good bean or the bad bean?
Wear jelly bean clothes to your party. Yes, you really can get clothes with jelly beans on it for boys and girls of all ages (including adult!).
Get crafty
Make jelly bean bracelets and necklaces. It’s just like stringing popcorn for Christmas garlands. Use a needle and thread, and string them together in the length you want.
Edible jewelry … The next big thing!
Cook with jelly beans
Of course, they make better desserts than meals, so end your dinner (or stock your party) with one or more of these:
- Jelly Bean Cookies: Everyone swears these taste better than they sound.
- No-Bake Chocolate Easter Nests: Adorable desserts and so simple to make. And not necessarily just for Easter ;)
- Jelly Bean Banana Split: Just the right combo of jelly beans to taste like a banana split! (You’ll need gourmet jelly beans for this one)
Or you could just decorate store-bought cupcakes or a sheet cake with jelly beans. Get creative with the placement or design and you’ll be the hero.
On the other hand, if you have time, think about making your very own homemade jelly beans. Make them in your favorite cocktail flavors and serve at your party!
Then wind down after your Jelly Bean Day celebrations with a Jelly Bean cocktail. No actual jelly beans used, but we’ll allow the “cheat.” ;)
