What do you do when it’s National Jelly Bean Day? You eat them! If you’re in the mood for something sweet, celebrate the day by diving into a handful of these chewy treats. It’s not just fun, it’s delicious. The jelly bean is an edible candy that has been around since at least the 1860s. At that time, it was marketed as a morale booster for soldiers fighting in the Civil War.  During World War I, they were promoted as a way to boost morale among men fighting overseas.  It wasn't until the 1930s that they became a permanent part of Easter baskets.  President Reagan loved jelly beans so much, he had them stocked on Air Force One. In the 1980s, a revolution in jelly bean flavors exploded with the introduction of Jelly Belly jelly beans. These new flavors were made from real fruit juices, such as tangerine and green apple, and even traditional favorites like cherry. Jelly beans are popular both in the United States and abroad. In fact, Americans alone consume 16 billion of them a year. The most popular flavor among children is red.  

National Jelly Bean Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd!

We have been unable thus far to find the creator of this national day, but we will be sure to keep you posted.