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R & S Crystallized Ginger Tin

R & S Crystallized Ginger Tin

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Description
This red and cream, rectangular tin was used to store and market R & S Crystallized Oriental Ginger. The lid contains the name of the product and the manufacturer, Albert L. Rich, Inc., in red lettering.
Sweet treats have been a part of the human diet nearly since the beginning of human existence. The type of treat has changed over time, but human desire for sweetness has not. Candy can be hard or chewy, may or may not contain chocolate and can be sweet or sour. Sugar cane was introduced to Europeans when crusaders brought the substance back from the Middle East, and it was with these Europeans that sugar gained its highly prized status as an art form and a gift to be given away on special occasions. A status that persists to this day when a suitor gives their beloved chocolate for Valentine’s Day.
At one time, small family owned confectionary shops dominated the American landscape. Opening a candy making business was a relatively low cost investment, all one needed was a kitchen and a basket to sell their treats from on the street. As demand grew, they could grow their business. Today, many of these small businesses have been absorbed into large corporations who command a much greater market power. Crystallized ginger was and still is popular for adding into baked goods as well as eating on its own.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
container, food
place made
United States: New York, New York
Physical Description
tin (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 1 in x 4 1/2 in; 2.54 cm x 11.43 cm
ID Number
1990.0018.0153
accession number
1990.0018
catalog number
1990.0018.0153
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Work and Industry: Food Technology
Food
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Data Source
National Museum of American History
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