National Jello-O Week is celebrated during the second full week of February. This year, it takes place from February 10 to 16. Jell-O (gelatin) is an exciting dessert derived from collagen, a protein. Boiling bones, connective tissues, and other animal products yields collagen. Since the 15th century, it has been used in food, particularly desserts. With more than 25 Jell-O flavors and 30 pudding flavors, Jell-O has become one of the most well-known gelatin brands in the culinary industry. Jell-O as a brand was established in the 1800s, but the recipe dates back far further. The goal of National Jell-O Week is to raise awareness about the historical significance of this delicious collagen dish.
History of National Jell-O Week
National Jell-O Week celebrates the history and significance of Jell-O. Initially, this dish was reserved for the most affluent families due to its long preparation time. Jell-O contains protein gelatin extracted from boiling bones, connective tissues, and other animal products; this is the primary ingredient. Due to Jell-O’s availability to the general public, its popularity grew once people started making the concoction in powdered form.
The patent and recipe for Jell-O were registered in 1897 by Pearle Bixby Wait, a carpenter from New York City. Once powdered gelatin became readily available in the early 1900s, Jell-O’s yearly sales passed $1 million.
General Foods acquired Jell-O in 1964. The LeRoy Jell-O plant shut down following, the acquisition. To commemorate their worldwide adoration of the delectable jiggly dessert and its wide range of flavors, people from all over the world can now partake in the annual National Jell-O Week, which was first celebrated in Utah in 2001.
National Jell-O Week timeline
Pearle Bixby Wait, a carpenter from New York City, registers the patent and recipe for Jell-O.
Sales increase as a result of aggressive mass marketing campaigns.
In the silent film, “The Ten Commandments,”Jell-O is used to give the effect of parting the Red Sea.
National Jell-O week is established.
National Jell-O Week FAQs
Where is the most Jell-O consumed in the United States?
According to some sources, Utah is notable for having the highest per capita consumption of Jell-O of any state in the United States.
How long do you keep Jell-O in the fridge to harden before serving?
The answer to this question may vary depending on the size of the Jell-O portions and the refrigerator temperature. Most Jell-O sets are within two to four hours. The gelatin will solidify in about four hours unless too large of a Jell-O dessert.
Can you store Jell-O in the fridge covered?
You can wrap it with plastic film, but be aware that it may take longer to set up if sealed, especially if the Jell-O is still warm.
National Jell-O Week Activities
Share your recipes
You can share your favorite recipes with other people on social media. Additionally, you can look up new recipes online.
Try new recipes
Taste different combinations of flavors to find out which one you like the most. You can have a taste test with kids or other people around you.
Make Jell-O shots
Add some vodka or white rum to your Jell-O and serve it to your friends as a shot. You can have a Jell-O party with friends and family.
5 Interesting Facts About Jell-O And Its Uses
Different forms
Prepared (ready-to-eat) or powdered Jell-O can be purchased, and it comes in various colors and flavors.
Additions
It's possible to build sophisticated treats out of fruit, veggies, and whipped cream.
Impossible combinations
Using fresh pineapple, papaya, kiwifruit, or ginger root would make it impossible for the gelatin to set.
Jell-O salads
As the popularity of salads grew, Jell-O responded by creating new savory and vegetable flavors such as celery, mixed vegetables, seasoned tomato, and Italian, however, the flavors have since been discontinued.
The Jell-O Gallery museum
The Le Roy Historical Society operates the Jell-O Gallery museum at the Le Roy House and Union Free School on the National Register of Historic Places.
Why We Love National Jell-O Week
It’s given in hospitals
Jell-O is provided to patients in the hospital for more than taste and digestive concerns because of its smooth, liquid nature. Because of its high gelatin content, it is also a good source of nutrition.
Vegetarian options are available
Not all Jell-O products are vegetarian or vegan; however, it is possible to make yours vegan or vegetarian. Jell-O sweets made from plant gums or seaweeds like agar or carrageenan are also available for those who choose a plant-based diet.
It improves bone health
Collagen may have a beneficial effect on bone health. The bone density of postmenopausal women who took 0.2 ounces of collagen peptides daily for a year was significantly higher than that of women who received a placebo, according to a randomized trial.
National Jell-O Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | February 14 | Monday |
| 2023 | February 13 | Monday |
| 2024 | February 12 | Monday |
| 2025 | February 10 | Monday |
| 2026 | February 9 | Monday |
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