The Needham Was Invented Here In Maine, And You Can Grab One From The Needham Company
By Chris Dodge|Updated on May 21, 2024(Originally published August 15, 2022)
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
Maine is filled with interesting foods that make our state great. Maine lobster is glorious and unlike anywhere else in the world. Our beans are questionable by some, but not to us; we love our beans just the way they are! Nowhere else can you get red snappers, and hotdogs anywhere else just are not the same. But, there is a story of one tiny little snack that is seemingly lost in the annals of history. But in our humble opinion, it’s one of the best foods invented in Maine. The tale of the delicious treat known as the Needham is just as sweet.
First off we have to face the obvious question by some: what is a Needham?
A Needham is a chocolate treat that is filled with coconut and potatoes. It is a strange combination that only Mainers could appreciate. This delicacy has not made it far out of the New England area but it all started in humble beginnings right here in our state.
An evangelist and preacher named Gorge Carter Needham came to the United States from Ireland.
The history isn't exact, but this is the story we believe to be true based on a bit of research done on the topic of the Needham. A manufacturer named Seavey began making them in honor of the preacher back in the early 1870s. Whether it was made by Mr. Needham himself or the manufacturer created them inspired by this preacher is unclear, but the dessert was born and sold in Maine.
So through the years, many Mainers have come up with their own variation of the chocolaty snack. Many suggest that the Needham was a creative way people made use of their potato scraps during the Great Depression.
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The manufacturer Seavey continued pumping out these chocolates well into the 1960s then they sold the business to a Lewiston company called Lou-Rod Candy.
Somewhere along the line, the ingredients lost the touch of potato that made this treat unique. They closed doors in 2013 and the tradition could have died there. But, like any good tradition, it lived on. Many candy stores and little shops around Maine could be found making their own Needhams.
The Maine Needham Company holds true to the style and tradition of this delicious Maine desert. Understanding the history and the importance of holding on to classic pieces like this, they strive to use what they believe is the original recipe.
Putting potatoes back in the Needham was a must and now they distribute them all around the state. If you want to buy one yourself make sure to find your local Reny’s or search this list of shops that carry their Needhams. If you are in the Saco area you can order and pick up your own box, or if you would like they will even ship you some right to your door.
Although the story of the Needham is not exact history, all have agreed the Needham was invented in Maine. So make sure you bite into the treat that has been a Maine staple for many years. Each one you consume will carry on the tradition laid out for well over a century. To grab your own Needhams make sure to check out the Maine Needham Company. And, if you need a place to stay while you’re exploring the area, check out these unique vacation rentals in Saco, Maine.
For another slice of Maine’s history, you should take a trip to this classic diner in Maine that people have been enjoying for many years.
Looking for more to explore? Take a look at this breathtaking footage of Acadia National Park:
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