NATIONAL GUMDROP DAY

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Unwrapping the Sweetness of a Colorful Tradition

Step into the vibrant world of confectionery delight as we celebrate Gumdrop Day on February 15! These chewy, colorful treats have been a timeless favorite, adding sweetness to our lives for over a century.

In this blog post, let’s explore the delectable history of gumdrops, whip up a simple recipe for homemade gumdrops, and discover delightful ways for kids to revel in the joy of Gumdrop Day.

History of Gumdrops

Gumdrops, those irresistible chewy candies bursting with flavor, have a history as rich and colorful as their appearance. First introduced in the 19th century by creative confectioners, gumdrops quickly became a beloved treat. The delectable combination of fruit flavors and chewy texture has stood the test of time, making gumdrops a classic indulgence for candy enthusiasts of all ages.

Thought to have been invented in America, Gumdrops can be sweet, or made with spices and called spice drops. They are often fruit-flavored and used as decorations for baked goods such as gingerbread houses. 

Most historians give credit to Percy Trusdale for inventing the gumdrop in 180, but likely they existed before that date as well. 

Homemade Gumdrops Recipe

Now, let’s add a personal touch to Gumdrop Day celebrations with a simple recipe for homemade gumdrops. Gather your ingredients and embark on a sweet adventure!

Gumdrops are easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients, many of the recipes you’ll find use jello so they end up tasting like, um…jello but if you dig deep into the internet you can find a more authentic recipe if you wish. I liked this one from The Spruce Eats.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fruit juice (orange, grape, or any favorite)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1 package (0.25 oz) unflavored gelatin
• Extra sugar for coating

Instructions:

1. Mix fruit juice, sugar, water, and applesauce in a saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and gelatin dissolve.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until it thickens.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased pan and refrigerate until set.
5. Once set, cut into gumdrop shapes and roll in extra sugar for a sweet finish!

Ways Kids Can Celebrate:

1. Transform your gumdrops into a canvas! Craft colorful gumdrop art by sticking them onto paper to create vibrant and edible masterpieces.
2. Engage in a fun sorting challenge, organizing gumdrops by color, size, or creating intricate patterns for a delightful challenge.
3. Combine engineering with sweetness by building towers using toothpicks and gumdrops. It’s a creative challenge with a tasty twist!
4. Thread gumdrops onto skewers for delicious and decorative gumdrop kabobs, a delightful and edible crafting activity.
5. Explore the fascinating world of science by observing how gumdrops dissolve in different liquids like water or soda, turning learning into a tasty experiment.
6. At the very least, celebrate National Gumdrop Day by playing a round of Candy Land – one of the most famous games to feature gumdrops!

Can’t celebrate this year – Mark your calendar & save this holiday for next year!

You can also pin the image below to your Pinterest boards to save this fantastic holiday!

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