When life gives you lemons, make Lemonhead candy! This zesty, tangy treat has delighted candy lovers including myself for decades, but how did this iconic yellow sweet come to be? Let’s peel back the layers of history and dive into the juicy origins of Lemonhead candy, straight from the heart of Illinois.

A Sweet Beginning in Chicago

The story begins in 1962 when Ferrara Candy Company, a Chicago-based confectionery powerhouse, introduced Lemonhead to the world. Founded in 1908 by Salvatore Ferrara, the company was already known for its delicious candies, but it was looking for something new and exciting. Enter the Lemonhead: a bold, tangy candy with a hard outer shell and a soft, chewy center.

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A Happy Accident

Legend has it that Lemonhead was born from a happy accident. Salvatore Ferrara's grandson, Salvatore II, was inspired by the shape of his newborn son’s head, who happened to have a bit of a lemon-shaped noggin. Coupled with a batch of candies that had an unexpected citrusy twist, the Lemonhead was born! It was an instant hit, offering a perfect balance of sweet and sour that tantalized taste buds everywhere.

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THE WONDERFUL TASTE AND HISTORY OF THAT GREEN SODA WITH DEEP ROOTS IN ILLINOIS, ALL THE DETAILS RIGHT HERE!

From Local Favorite to National Treasure

Initially, Lemonhead was a local favorite in Chicago, sold in small, paper-wrapped packages. But it didn’t take long for its popularity to spread across Illinois and beyond. By the late 1960s, Lemonhead was a national sensation, loved for its unique flavor and cheerful, lemon-shaped mascot.

A Cultural Icon

Lemonhead has not just been a candy; it's a cultural icon. The bright yellow boxes have been a staple in candy aisles for generations. Over the years, Ferrara expanded the Lemonhead family, introducing variations like Grapeheads, Cherryheads, and even chewy Lemonheads, but the original remains a fan favorite.

Squeezing into the Future

Today, Lemonhead continues to bring smiles and puckered lips to candy lovers around the world. Whether you savor them one at a time or by the handful, this little candy from Illinois proves that a bit of citrusy zest can go a long way. So, next time you pop a Lemonhead, remember the quirky, fun history behind this beloved treat – a true Illinois original!

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Gallery Credit: Dave Alan

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