How are jelly tots made?

Jelly tots, also known as jelly beans, are a popular candy made through a fascinating process that involves a combination of sugar, gelatin, and flavoring. Here's a simplified breakdown of how they are made:

1. Preparation:

* Gelatin: Gelatin, a protein derived from animal collagen, is the key ingredient that gives jelly tots their bouncy texture. It is dissolved in hot water to create a viscous solution.

* Sugar: Granulated sugar is added to the gelatin mixture and heated to create a syrup.

* Flavorings: Flavorings, either natural or artificial, are added to the syrup to give the jelly tots their distinct taste. This can include fruit extracts, essential oils, or artificial flavors.

2. Cooking:

* Boiling and Mixing: The mixture is boiled vigorously to remove excess water and concentrate the sugars. This process ensures that the jelly tots will have a firm, chewy texture.

* Coloring: Food coloring is added to the mixture, if desired, to give the jelly tots their vibrant colors.

3. Shaping and Cooling:

* Deposition: The hot, liquid mixture is poured into molds or deposited onto a sheet.

* Cooling and Setting: The mixture is allowed to cool and set, solidifying into the familiar shape of jelly tots.

4. Finishing Touches:

* Polishing: In some cases, the jelly tots are dusted with a thin layer of confectioners' sugar or wax to give them a glossy finish.

* Packaging: The finished jelly tots are then packaged and sent to stores for consumption.

Interesting Fact:

* The first jelly beans were actually called "jelly drops" and were made in the mid-1800s.

* Jelly tots, with their signature round shape, were popularized in the early 1900s.

This is a simplified overview of the jelly tot making process. The specific steps and ingredients can vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of jelly tots being produced. However, the basic principles remain the same, involving a combination of gelatin, sugar, flavorings, and careful processing to create the beloved candy.