Introduction
Candies have been around for centuries and have become a staple in celebrations and sweet treats. One of the popular candies in the market is the jawbreaker. Known for its size and long-lasting flavor, this candy has been a favorite of many candy enthusiasts. But have you ever wondered when it was first created? In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history of jawbreaker candies.
The Birth of a Classic Candy
Jawbreaker candies were first created in the mid-19th century in the United States. Although there are no exact records of its inventor, it is believed that it was made by accident in a candy factory. Back then, candies were made by hand, and a worker accidentally left a batch of sugar and syrup unattended on the stove. When he came back, the mixture had hardened. The worker then tried to sell the candy, which became a hit.
Origin of the Name "Jawbreaker"
The name "jawbreaker" came from the candy’s size and texture. Jawbreakers are known for their hard and long-lasting texture, which requires a person to suck on it for a long time before it dissolves. This sometimes causes discomfort in the mouth and jaw, hence the name. In other parts of the world, it is called "gobstopper" or "everlasting gobstopper."
The Early Years of Jawbreaker Candy
In its early years, jawbreaker candies were made by hand, which made them quite expensive. They were also only available in small quantities, making them a luxury item. However, as technology advanced, candy manufacturers were able to produce jawbreakers more efficiently and in larger quantities. This made jawbreakers more affordable and accessible to the public.
Jawbreakers Across the Decades
Jawbreakers have been around for over a century, and over the years, they have undergone various changes and innovations. In the 1950s, multi-colored jawbreakers were introduced, which became an instant hit. In the 1960s, candy manufacturers added a bubblegum center to the jawbreaker, which made it even more interesting to consumers. Today, jawbreakers come in different sizes, flavors, and shapes.
Changes and Innovations in Jawbreaker Production
As technology advanced, candy manufacturers were able to produce jawbreakers more efficiently. They began using machines to create jawbreakers, which made production faster and more accurate. They also began using different flavors and colors, which made the candy more appealing to consumers. Today, jawbreakers are made using a process called panning, which involves layering sugar and flavoring onto a core and rolling it in a rotating drum until it forms a hard, smooth surface.
Marketing and Popularity of Jawbreaker Candy
Jawbreakers became popular in the 20th century, and candy manufacturers have been using various marketing strategies to promote the candy. They have used television commercials, print ads, and social media to reach a wider audience. Jawbreakers have also been featured in movies and TV shows, which helped to increase their popularity.
Controversies Surrounding Jawbreakers
Jawbreakers have been the subject of various controversies over the years. Some people have claimed that they are a choking hazard, especially for young children. Others have argued that they may cause dental problems due to their high sugar content. However, these controversies have not affected the popularity of jawbreaker candies.
Interesting Facts About Jawbreaker Candy
- The largest jawbreaker ever made weighed over 700 pounds.
- The longest time someone has sucked on a jawbreaker is over 17 hours.
- Jawbreakers were once considered a luxury item and were only available in small quantities.
- The original jawbreaker candy was made by accident.
- Jawbreakers are known as "gobstoppers" in the UK and other parts of the world.
Jawbreaker Candies Around the World
Jawbreakers are popular in different parts of the world, and they come in different shapes and sizes. In Mexico, they are called "canicas" and are made of solid chocolate. In Japan, they are called "daifuku" and are made of rice cake. In Australia, they are called "jawbusters" and are smaller in size than the traditional jawbreaker.
Iconic Jawbreaker Moments in Pop Culture
Jawbreakers have been featured in various movies and TV shows over the years. In the movie "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," the everlasting gobstopper was a jawbreaker candy. In the TV show "The Office," Dwight Schrute was known for carrying a large jawbreaker in his pocket. Jawbreakers have also been mentioned in songs by popular artists like Miley Cyrus and A$AP Rocky.
Conclusion
Jawbreaker candies have been around for over a century and have become a favorite of many candy enthusiasts. Although they have been the subject of various controversies, their popularity has not waned. They have undergone various changes and innovations over the years, and today, they come in different sizes, flavors, and shapes. Jawbreakers have become an iconic candy in pop culture and will continue to be a classic candy for generations to come.
