The biggest innovation in the world of British sweets during the decade of flared trousers and polyester shirts was the introduction of Pacers. The delicately flavoured, mild minty chews were a relaunched version of the sweet originally known as the Opal Mint (yes they were the sister of Opal Fruits) and the addition of three green stripes proved a huge hit. These were discontinued in the 1980s and are sorely missed. Coming hot on the heels of the Wall Street Crash and ending with the outbreak of WW2, you might think that the 1930’s would be a decade to forget for the British sweet industry. However, the attraction of sweets is so powerful that even this dark decade has a few bright sparks. 1935 saw the launch of the popular Extra Strong Mint, a product still available today. This shrub thrives mostly in the shade with some sun. It is common to find plants sprouting out of or near downed trees or stumps. Peak Season: The plant is an evergreen shrub, but produces berries in the summer. And I then like to squish the fruit against the side of the sieve to ensure I get all the juice out.

Historically sweets and confectionaries were hand-made luxury items available only to kings, queens and aristocrats. The industrial revolution brought about many technological advances; lowering prices for refined sugar and allowing for factory produced sweets and confectionary. Owing to these changes, sweets were no longer luxurious items for the super-rich. Pear Drops, Sherbet Lemons, Cough Candy, Rhubarb and Custard, Aniseed Twists, Marshmallows, Candy Floss, Fruit Pastilles and Fruit Gums all originate from the mid-19 th century to the turn of the 20 th century.Similar to Aniseed Jelly buttons as found in Liquorice Allsorts in texture but not flavour, they’re popular with children of all ages! The most famous invention from the Victorian era were novels aimed at unenthusiastic 20 th century school children. Or rather novels so well-written that school children over 100 years later would still be studying these classics. You might be wondering what all this has to do with British confectionery? The connection is that the Victorian era produced not only classic novels but also many of the classic sweets which we all remember.

Captivating Texture: The outer nonpareil coating adds an extra layer of texture and aesthetic appeal. It's a feast for your eyes and your palate. You don’t need to try and shape the syrup in any way. It will naturally spread out making a rustic round shape. Peace Babies were all the rage when they were launched in 1918 to celebrate the end of the Great War which had devastated Europe. These soft sugar candies are still made today although you’ll probably recognise (and enjoy) them under the name they now go by- Jelly Babies. Once the sugar has totally dissolved, bring the heat up in stages, all the while keeping an eye on the temperature.

Which is healthier blueberry or blackberry?

Steer clear of snow berries, which are white berries that grow in bunches on bushy shrubs. You should also avoid Virginia creeper berries, which are dark blue and grow on a vining plant with 5-leaflet leaves. I’d also recommend you make it on a day when you don’t have children or dogs running underfoot. The syrup gets super hot as it boils frantically.

This decade also saw the start two enormously popular phenomena both with the same name - one a pop duo involving George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley and the second a fantastic chewy and fizzy bar of raspberry flavoured goodness. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, turn up the heat to medium-high, and bring the mixture to a boil. Do not stir the mixture any more. Coated in Nonpareils: Indulge in the visual and textural pleasure as these delicious fruit-flavored jellies are elegantly coated in nonpareils. Every piece is a work of art and taste. The 1950’s saw the introduction of one of the most iconic sweets ever created- Love Hearts. These hard tablets of fruit-flavoured sugary goodness are stamped with messages such as “I’m Shy”, “Kiss Me”, “Its love” and “I Love You”. The most famous sweet released during the first decade of the 20 th century is the wine gum. Unusually this sweet wasn’t aimed at children but at adults- hence the alcohol inspired name. Although the name might suggest otherwise there is no wine involved in the making of these delicious sweets, children eat these just as gladly. This decade also saw the introduction of the first lollipops!So here’s hoping that makes them a little better than all the unpronounceable things you find in regular, shop-bought sweets. Red Baneberry Scientific Name: Actaea rubra Origin: This plant is native to North America and can be found across the Pacific Northwest region. It is widely said Native Americans would use the juice from this poisonous berry to coat arrowheads.