You might need a Jell-O Shot after some of these delectable nuggets!
- Cola-flavored Jell-O was introduced in 1942, but was de-listed in 1943. Yum.
- Jell-O ads from the 1920’s are worth a look. They were created by renowned artists including Maxfield Parrish, Norman Rockwell, Guy Rowe (Giro) and Linn Ball.
- Kept at ambient humidity and temperature, and in its original packaging, Jell-O has a shelf life of…forever! The packaging will degrade before the Jell-O. Double-yum.
- Research has shown that eating Jell-O regularly can be beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis. The amino acids in gelatin protect cartilage.
- If you want to suspend something in gelatin, be aware of its density. Denser fruit such as seedless grapes will sink to the bottom, while something less dense like apple will stay near the top of the mold.
- When hooked to an EEG, Jell-O will register waves identical to that of an adult human brain. (There are brain-shaped molds on the market if you are interested.)
- The Jell-O slogan for 1995 was: It’s Alive …Is this really what you want people to think? Really?…
- Jell-O Humor: A little boy is sitting at the table with a dish of Jell-O in front of him. His mother tells him to finish his dessert. A little later she comes by again and sees he still hasn’t eaten it. His mother asks, “Why don’t you eat your Jell-O?” and he answers, “I can’t. It’s not dead yet.”
- It has a museum called The Jell-O Gallery, in LeRoy, New York—the birthplace of this “dainty” dessert. It houses original advertising art as well as other paraphernalia, artifacts and Jell-O activities. You know it’s on my to-do list!
If you are looking for outstanding Jell-O recipes–truly works of art–check out The Jello Mold Mistress of Brooklyn, she is fantastic!
Got any good Jell-O stories? …Share…but keep it clean! Haha!
SOURCES:
Gelatin Manufacturers Institute of America, Health Aspects. http://www.gelatin-gmia.com/html/qanda.html
Jell-O, Explore Jell-O, Jell-O History. http://brands.kraftfoods.com/jello/explore/history/
The Jell-O Museum and Gallery, History of Jell-O. http://www.jellomuseum.com/index.html#History
Sarah E. Newton, “The Jell-O Syndrome: Investigating Popular Culture/Foodways,” Western Folklore, Vol. 51, No.3/4 (1992): 249-255.
Wyman, Carolyn. 2001. Jell-O: A Biography. New York, NY. Harcourt, Inc.
Glenda Sparrow says
The Jell-O articles continue to fascinate me, Christina. Love the idea of putting fruit in the Jell-O shots and making in a mold instead of boring cups or squares. Brilliant!
Dennis Lupien says
Always loved Jello and still do, ever since they gave it to me as a small boy after having my tonsils out. Yummmm – so slippery, cold, and good !
Jenny says
Feeling inspired! I’m realizing my kids haven’t had Jell-O yet! What?! That’s a “must do”…