Most people are familiar with conversation hearts, the small heart-shaped sugar candies sold around Valentine’s Day. Each heart is printed with a message like “Be Mine” or “Love U” and for some unexplained reason, all taste like a form of chalk.
History
The heart-shaped conversation candies called “Sweethearts” got their start in back in 1847 when Oliver R. Chase invented the machine that cuts shaped lozenges from wafer candy. In 1866, Oliver’s brother, Daniel Chase designed a machine that was able to press sayings onto the candy similar to a stamp. The candy was often used for weddings since each candy had a witty saying like “Married in pink, he will take a drink”, or “Married in White, you have chosen right”. Sweethearts were made by the New England Confectionery Company before the Spangler Candy Company purchased them in 2018. Up until 2018, nearly 8 billion Sweethearts were produced each year.
The iconic flavors
Apparently, wafer candies were all the rage in the early 1900s. Each color has its own distinct flavor. I took a moment to try them and guess before I looked it up online. See if you agree with my initial guesses.
Pink – Drywall flavored
Yellow – Antacid flavored
White – Chalk flavored
Green – Tile grout flavored
Well, apparently I didn’t do too well. The flavors are supposed to be cherry, banana, wintergreen, and lime. Who knew?
Happy Valentine’s Day!