Where Was the First Ribbon Candy Invented?

Credit is given to F.B. Washurn for inventing the first ribbon candy in Brockton, Massachusetts, in a small area within the Washburn Bakery. A few of the other first products of Washburn were the coconut bar and the peanut bar. F.B. Washburn is one of the oldest known candy makers in the United States and has established a firm foundation in the New England area.

History

Ribbon candy has been around since at least 1856. F.B. Washburn's popular coconut bar cookie prompted him to look into candy making. Because of ribbon candy's success, Washburn added sour balls, peppermint starlights and lollipops to his repertoire. In 1986, Washburn purchased Sevigny's Candy and became the nation's major provider of ribbon candy. In 2009, Washburn Candy occupies five floors in a 150,000-square-foot building.

Size

Ribbon candy is a hard candy, typically between 4 and 6 inches long and about 1 inch thick. Some companies make round ribbon candy. Flavors include peppermint, cinnamon, bubble gum, lime, berry and peanut butter.

Identification

Ribbon candy has changed little over the years in its taste and design. True ribbon candy is pretty to look at and nicely decorates a candy dish. Ribbon candy is flattened, then folded up into a looped ribbon. It can be one color or a myriad of colors. It is often striped at the ends or in the middle.

Time Frame

Ribbon candy is most popular at Christmas but can sometimes be found at various times throughout the year. Typically, the Wasburn/Sevigny's white box has a picture of a bow plus an assortment of ribbon candy. The product can be found at most grocery and retail stores.

Fun Fact

Ribbon candy is low in calories. A full piece weighs about 1 oz. and contains about 60 calories.

Resources

• F.B. Washburn Candy
• Hammond's Candies