Jujube (confectionery)

Jujube (confectionery)

The Jujube is a type of confectionery that originated in the United States during the 19th century. It is a small, chewy candy that comes in various flavors and colors. The name 'jujube' is derived from Ziziphus jujuba, also known as the jujube fruit, which was traditionally used in the candy's flavoring.

History

The jujube candy was first produced by the Heide Candy Company in 1869. The company was founded by Henry Heide, an immigrant from Obermarsberg, Westphalia, Germany. The original jujube candy was made using jujube fruit juice, sugar, and gum arabic. Over time, the recipe has changed, and modern jujubes are often made with artificial flavors and colors.

Production

The production of jujube candies involves several steps. First, the candy mixture is prepared by combining sugar, corn syrup, and a gelling agent such as pectin or gelatin. This mixture is heated until it reaches a specific temperature, then it is poured into molds and allowed to cool and harden. Once the candies are firm, they are removed from the molds and coated with a thin layer of sugar.

Varieties

There are several varieties of jujube candies available today. Some of the most popular include the original jujube, which is a small, round, fruit-flavored candy; the jujyfruit, which is similar to the original but comes in a variety of fruit shapes; and the spearmint leaf, which is a green, leaf-shaped candy with a spearmint flavor.

In popular culture

Jujube candies have been featured in various forms of popular culture. They are often associated with movie theater concession stands, as they were traditionally sold in boxes that were easy to share. In literature, jujubes are mentioned in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, where they are a favorite treat of the character Dill.

See also

• List of candies
• Heide Candy Company
• Ziziphus jujuba