In 1915 A University Chemist Developed The Gumdrop Observed on February 15th, National Gumdrop Day recognizes a favorite candy of many; the gumdrop! On National Gumdrop Day, there is no question as to what to do. Eat gumdrops and eat as many as you want! Gumdrops are a tasty, colorful, chewy candy that is made with gelatin and then coated with sugar. They come in a variety of flavors and can either be fruity or spicy. These little candy treats have been popular for decorations for decoration gingerbread houses for many years. The classic board game, Candy Land, features both a Gumdrop Pass and a Gumdrop Mountain. Besides enjoying them by the handful, there are many other ways to use gumdrops: In cookies Decorate cakes or cupcakes In popcorn cake For crafts For gifts You can also make gumdrops yourself. According to many recipes, you would need vegetable oil, sugar, corn syrup, fruit juice, powdered fruit pectin, baking soda and food coloring. Credit for the modern gumdrop goes to chemist and candy manufacturer Percy S. Truesdell. According to articles after his death in 1948, he was the man responsible for taking what was once a hard, poorly flavored glob of sugar and turning it into the smooth, chewy delight we enjoy today. While at the University of Ohio, Truesdell altered the consistency of the of the candy by experimenting with the amount of starch used. He later worked for the Snyder-Chafee Company until 1915. In 1916, Truesdell founded and incorporated the P.S. Truesdell Candy Manufacturing Company. At his death, he became known as the Gumdrop King. From Foodimentary.com: Five Food Find about Gumdrops The most popular flavors are cherry, grape, orange, lemon, and spice flavors like clove, cinnamon, mint, and anise (licorice). Originally, gumdrops were flavored with spices: orange (clove), yellow (allspice), red (cinnamon), green (spearmint), purple (anise), white (wintergreen or peppermint), and black(licorice). The NASA Apollo Command modules were nicknamed “Gumdrops” because of it’s conical shape. Branch’s Candy holds the world record for largest gumdrop which weighed in a little larger than 10 lbs..