Minor British Institutions: Black Jacks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The dangerous thing about Black Jacks is that you forget how easily they make your mouth go all, well, black, which can be socially embarassing. However, if there are no romantic evenings or job interviews in the diary, you ought to feel free to indulge yourself with these delicious retro rectangles.
The very sight of one, and still more that aniseed chewiness, will take you back to the schoolyard, and an effort to remember the going rate for swapping them for, say, flying saucers or gobstoppers or Chewits. But has anyone ever got the wrapper off completely? There always seems to be a bit of paper left stuck on a Black Jack, itself a minor tradition.
Dating back to the 1920s, Black Jacks still taste best when bought out of a jar at a old-fashioned proper sweetshop, though there are online specialists now (try aquarterof.com) that supply the full gamut of dentally unfriendly treats. About £1.80 for 250g, which will leave you with an unforgettable smile for many weeks.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments