Delight in the ever-charming Conversation Hearts (aka Sweetheart candy), a true Retro Valentine’s Day Retro favorite. Each heart-shaped Valentine’s Day candy tastes, looks, and feels as they always have, although the sayings have changed. Good to share, give as a gift, and keep as long as you like – they may get hard, but they rarely spoil. As for the uses? Decorate cupcakes and cakes, mix with other Valentine’s Day candy, and serve at weddings. WEDDINGS! Yes – here’s the story!

Conversation Hearts were invented by Daniel Chase, whose brother Oliver was a pharmacist and candy-maker. During the 19^th century “conversation lozenges” as they were called were popular in England, where little sayings were hand-printed on the candy. Some were romantic, such as “Love me” while others inspired precisely the opposite….something called “vinegar Valentines.” The temperance movement was behind many of the sayings, with such sobering comments as: “Drink is the Ruin of Man,” and “Sobriety is the way to riches.”

In the U.S., Daniel Chase invented a “motto-making” machine that printed sayings quickly and directly on heart-shaped candies. Daniels messages were focused entirely on matters of the heart, not the liver used in what was sometimes called Wedding Candy. The candy has survived today – usually a favorite at Valentine’s Day, but ever connected to romance and love.

Q: Who was Daniel Chase’s famous brother?

A: Oliver Chase, inventor of the NECCO Wafer, then called the “Hub wafer.” Compare the two candies and you’ll see a similarity.

 Content for this product comes from Susan’s Book “Sweet as Sin,” listed on Smithsonian’s “Best Books About Food.” BUY Sweet as Sin or Susan's newest book "Fun Foods of America" and get a Conversation Hearts sampler bag!