When were candy gum drops first made?

While there's no definitive date for the invention of gumdrops, the earliest known evidence points to the 1800s.

Here's what we know:

* 1800s: The first candies resembling gumdrops, made with gum arabic, sugar, and flavorings, are believed to have been created in England during this period. These early versions were likely quite different from the gumdrops we know today, being softer and more pliable.

* 1850s: Candy-making techniques improved, allowing for a more robust and recognizable gumdrop shape.

* 1890s: The "Gumdrop" name started appearing in commercial candy catalogs, suggesting the candy was becoming more popular and widespread.

So, while the exact year of gumdrop invention remains unknown, we can confidently say that they first emerged in the 1800s, evolving over time to the treat we know and love today.