NATIONAL GUMDROP DAY
Observed on February 15th, National Gumdrop Day recognizes a favorite candy of many; the gumdrop! There's no question as to what to do. Eat gumdrops and eat as many as you want!
#NationalGumdropDay
Gumdrops are a tasty, colorful, chewy candy that is made with gelatin and then coated with sugar. They come in a variety of flavors and can either be fruity or spicy. These little candy treats make terrific embellishments for decorating gingerbread houses and other baked goods.
The classic board game, Candy Land, features both a Gumdrop Pass and a Gumdrop Mountain.
Besides enjoying them by the handful, there are many other ways to use gumdrops:
In cookies
Decorate cakes or cupcakes
In popcorn cake
For crafts
For gifts
You can also make gumdrops yourself. According to many recipes, you would need vegetable oil, sugar, corn syrup, fruit juice, powdered fruit pectin, baking soda, and food coloring.
Credit for the modern gumdrop goes to chemist and candy manufacturer Percy S. Truesdell. According to articles written after his death in 1948, Truesdell took the once hard, poorly flavored glob of sugar and turned it into the smooth, chewy delight we enjoy today. While at the University of Ohio, the chemist altered the consistency of the candy by experimenting with the amount of starch used. He later worked for the Snyder-Chafee Company until 1915. In 1916, Truesdell founded and incorporated the P.S. Truesdell Candy Manufacturing Company. At his death, he became known as the Gumdrop King.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL GUMDROP DAY
Enjoy some gumdrops.
Play a game of Candy Land
Listen to The Crew Cuts sing their son "Gum Drop".
Make some homemade gumdrops.
Use #NationalGumdropDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL GUMDROP DAY HISTORY
While National Day Calendar has not uncovered the origin of National Gum Drop Day, it has been observed since at least 2004.
Gumdrop FAQ
Q. How many calories are in a gumdrop?
A. One gumdrop contains 17 calories.
Q. What flavors are in spicy gumdrops?
A. Spice gumdrops typically come in flavors such as cloves, licorice, cinnamon, mint, and sassafras.
Q. Can you cook with gumdrops?
A. Yes. Gumdrops can be added to a variety of baked goods including cookies, breads, and cakes.
