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True Treats Candy

Traditional 1800s Jelly Beans

Traditional 1800s Jelly Beans

Regular price $3.89 USD
Regular price Sale price $3.89 USD
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SKU:400000012292

Gummy Candy… A Sore Throat Remedy?!

Can you believe this Easter favorite had its origins as a medicine? Gummy candies began with Turkish delight, made in the Arabic apothecaries as a confection and medicine for sore throats in 900 C.E. In the 1700s, a Turkish sultan fell in love with the sweet – hence the name – and word traveled around the world.

What’s a Jelly Bean Anyway?

When the Turkish delight first appeared in the U.S. no one can say for sure, but it was the basis of the gum drop, made in the early 1800s. In the 1860s, someone in Boston put a hard sugar shell on the delight and sent it to the Union soldiers. That became known as the “jelly bean.” About a century later, the humble jelly bean evolved once again into the classic Jelly Belly. Our traditional jelly beans come in a 4 oz bag with the history on the label.

Watch this Video From Candy Historian Susan Benjamin on the Jelly Bean!

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The Sweet Journey Through Time Starts Here!

True Treats is the only historically accurate candy store in the world, bringing the past to life through researched sweets, teas, syrups, and more. Every product is rooted in history, telling the story of how people from all walks of life enjoyed treats through time. Leading this effort is Susan, a nationally recognized candy historian, researcher, and author who appears regularly on TV, radio, and in major publications. With over 40 years of experience, she has written ten books and founded True Treats to share the fascinating history of candy in a fun and delicious way. Susan’s work uncovers the surprising origins of America’s favorite sweets, from ancient uses of sugar to the candies of the 1900s. Through True Treats, Susan makes history an interactive experience, allowing customers to taste the past while learning the stories behind every bite.