[Gatesedge] Anyone up for trivia regarding candy?

[Debbie Spangler]

For those that are interesting in this kind of thing:

Tootsie Rolls, introduced in 1896, were the first wrapped candy sold for a
penny apiece. The chocolaty chews got their name from their inventor' little
girl, Tootsie.

Sweet and delicious, Necco Wafers were sold starting in 1901. Years later,
when explorer Richard Byrd led one of the first expeditions to Antarctica,
he toted two and a half tons of Necco Wafers on his trip as a source of
quick energy!

Life Savers were invented in 1912 by a chocolate maker who needed a candy
that wouldn't melt in the summer. Pep-O-Mint, the first life saver flavor,
sure saved that candy maker's business! He named his sweet treat for what it
looked like--a mini life preserver.

Kids got their first taste of molasses-flavored, peanut-buttery Mary Jane
candies in 1914. Where did the candy's name come from? The maker's favorite
aunt.

The spicy cinnamon flavor of Atomic Fire Balls first exploded onto
sweet-shop shelves in 1954. Since the 1950s were filled with worry about the
threat of nuclear war, kids knew the word "Atomic" in this candy's name
promised a high-powered taste.

In 1976, the eight original Jelly Belly flavors--Very Cheryy, Lemon, Cream
Soda, Orange, Green Apple, Root Beer, Grape and Licorice--were designed to
have true-to-life tastes. In the 1980s, President Ronal Reagan loved the
beans so much he always kept some in the White House. Today, Jelly Belly
beans come in 40 different flavors, including Juicy Pear and even Jalapeno.
What's the most popular flavor of all? Buttered popcorn.

In 1880, the average American ate 2.2 pounds of candy per year. By 1992,
that number was up to 22 pounds.


[source: recent issue, American Girl magazine for young girls]

Note to self to research: What was considered a sweet treat in the Middle
Ages-Renaissance? Did they even eat candy then the way we do now?

Enjoy!
Signy