What’s So Great About Buckeyes? Let Me Count the Ways…
What are Buckeyes?
Growing up in the greater Kansas City, Missouri area, I never knew what Buckeyes were. Moving to Ohio was a bit of a culture shock for this reason. In Ohio, reference to the Buckeye is unavoidable. Ohioans take great pride in their state’s correlation with the Buckeye, which is apparent in naming everything (lattes, sushi, candy, businesses, and The Ohio State University’s sports teams) after the beloved tree seed.
The Buckeye is synonymous with pride in Ohio, and it is no wonder! The Buckeye has adopted many positive connotations for over two centuries, including resilient versatility, unwavering leadership, providential comfort, winning spirit, and lasting success. Read more for details on how each came about, or skip to the recipe by clicking below.
Click here to skip to Jiffy’s Original Buckeye Recipe.Unwavering Leadership from the Ohio Buckeye Beginning
To understand why, we should start at the beginning and return to September 2, 1788. The first court session convened at the Campus Martius Hall in Marietta—a large procession led by 6’ 4” tall Colonel Ebenezer Sproat. The commanding presence of Col. Sproat, with his sword drawn in command of his followers, made an impression on the local Native Americans.
They dubbed him “Hetuck,” meaning “eye of a buck,” which was their colloquial term likening the Colonel to a large, proud buck. I think of it as the term “eye of the tiger.” It was a compliment that stuck to the Colonel, whose legacy lives on in Ohioans even today. 1
Providential Comfort of a Buckeye
The nut-like seed of this deciduous tree has become a beloved symbol in Ohio that represents loyalty and strength. Although everything about these trees is toxic to humans, Buckeye seeds are commonly carried as a talisman of good luck, much like a four-leaf clover or rabbit’s foot, especially in regions where buckeye trees are native.
This may seem contradictory, but it reminds me of the show Smallville. Lana Lang, whose parents died in the meteor shower, wore a necklace made of the meteor that killed her parents. Her aunt made it for her as a talisman of good luck and fortune because so much bad came from the rocks that good luck could only be left.
Perhaps on some level, talismans such as these require some contradictory form of tragedy to gain their mystique. While prized for their rarity, four-leaf clovers are doomed to be picked on sight, leading to an early demise. Likewise, the only way to get a rabbit’s foot is if the rabbit’s feet are not quick enough to save them. Their tragedy connects them and somehow qualifies them to comfort their keeper.
Intriguing Versatility of the Buckeyes
William Henry Harrison was mocked as a poor candidate when he used his log cabin in his 1840s Presidential campaign. While others laughed and exclaimed he was just an elderly man who would be fine just sitting on the porch of his log cabin drinking hard cider, Harrison doubled down by expanding its use as a symbol for settlers in Ohio and beyond by embracing the log cabin and buckeyes. Due to the abundance of Buckeye trees in the area, locals used it for many projects. It was easier to work with, making excellent material for his decorative cabin props for campaign rallies. They even decorated them with buckeye seeds.
He turned a negative into a positive, and history shows it worked since he became the 9th U.S. President. Besides being a figurative and literal prop in a winning presidential campaign, Buckeye’s history contains even more intrigue.
Aesculin and aescin (both toxic to humans and animals in higher doses) in the seeds and bark made Buckeyes the center of various practices, experiments, and treatments. One example is using ground-up buckeye seeds to immobilize fish temporarily when released into the water, a traditional method employed by some indigenous cultures and early settlers. While effective, especially in shallow waters, this method is generally considered illegal and unethical today due to environmental concerns and potential risks to wildlife and humans. Always consult local laws before attempting such techniques.
Another example worth mentioning is the traditional application of a poultice of Buckeye to reduce skin inflammation or soaking the bark to create a tea intended to treat ailments like arthritis and gastrointestinal issues. Use extreme caution when considering the medicinal use of Buckeye seeds, as they can lead to severe health issues, including liver and kidney damage or even death. Always consult a healthcare provider and adhere to medical guidelines before attempting alternative treatments with Buckeye parts.
Winning Spirit
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been an integral part of the history and culture of college football. Representing one of the biggest and most successful programs in NCAA Division I Football, they have become a symbol of excellence both on and off the field. The Buckeyes consistently produce some of the best players in college football, making them a force to reckon with each season.
Their legacy spans generations – from seven national championships to over 900 wins and counting under various head coaches throughout their long-standing tradition. It’s no wonder why so many people recognize them as one of the premier college football teams. With their storied past still going strong today, fans can enjoy watching their beloved team compete for glory year after year.
Lasting Success
The Columbus economy is booming thanks to the Ohio State University (OSU). OSU has contributed to the city’s job market and helped drive revenue. The Columbus Dispatch reported that for every 1 percent increase in college enrollment, there was a 0.42 percent increase in jobs within Franklin County.
The city of Columbus and Ohio State University have been working together to develop a strong economy for the Capital City and its surrounding areas. Their collaboration has proven fruitful in creating a robust economy that grows yearly. The partnership between the city and OSU creates an environment that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and job growth.
Ohio State provides much-needed resources to help businesses succeed in the area. OSU offers business planning, financing, marketing services, and more guidance through programs like the Small Business Development Center. Additionally, they provide grants to entrepreneurs who need additional capital to get their businesses off the ground.
The university also works with local economic development organizations to attract jobs and investments into Columbus’ diverse community. They promote their research capabilities and support new companies through incubator programs that provide access to resources like space for office operations or shared equipment.
Just One Catch
Buckeye trees are a quintessential part of Ohio’s landscape, and they can add a touch of rustic charm to your own property. These trees are not only visually appealing with their distinctive, palmate leaves and beautiful blossoms, but they also serve as excellent shade providers during those scorching Ohio summers. However, there’s a catch to their charming presence: the buckeye fruit. When these fruits ripen, they become quite hefty, often larger than a golf ball, and they have a tendency to plummet from the tree without warning. While these nuts are a beloved symbol of Ohio, having one unexpectedly drop on your head, your pet, or your home is less than ideal. So, while enjoying the shade and aesthetics of your buckeye tree, just keep an eye out during the fall season for those falling “buckeyes”!
The Main Event: Buckeyes as a Candy
The Buckeye is more than just a tree and its seed in Ohio; it’s a symbol and identity with a rich and varied history. Whether it’s Colonel Ebenezer Sproat’s leadership legacy, William Henry Harrison’s political savvy, or the gridiron glory of the Ohio State Buckeyes, this humble seed encapsulates the spirit of Ohio. It even finds its way into economic growth, as Ohio State University significantly contributes to the prosperity of Columbus.
This symbol touches every facet of life, from history and folklore to sports, economics, and food. So, before we get to the delicious Buckeye candy recipe, remember each bite is a small taste of Ohio’s rich history, resilience, and community spirit. Now, let’s make Jiffy’s Buckeyes and embrace the taste of Ohio!
If you are looking for another peanut-buttery sweet, try my Peanut Butter Kiss cookies and learn about the origins of Hershey’s Kiss!
Best Buckeyes Recipe Ever (A Jiffy Original)
Buckeyes
Ohio's iconic candy is made of peanut butter and chocolate.
Ingredients
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter (not natural)
- 1 stick of salted butter, softened
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 3.5-4 cups powdered sugar
- 20 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 tbsp Crisco OR 20 oz semisweet chocolate melting chips with real chocolate
Instructions
1. Prep:
- Begin by allowing the butter to soften at room temperature.
- In a small bowl, mix the cold water and brown sugar together. Add the vanilla extract, cover, and set it aside.
2. Mixing:
- Once the butter has softened and the sugar has dissolved in the mixture, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and sugar mixture. Mix until the mixture is creamy and well incorporated. You can use a Kitchen-Aid mixer or any other mixer in a large bowl. Be sure to scrape the sides and mix thoroughly until there are no streaks of ingredients.
3. Adding Powdered Sugar:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, about half a cup at a time. Pack the powdered sugar into a 1/2 cup measuring cup and sift it over the bowl to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency. Mix thoroughly after each 1/2 cup addition and scrape the sides until there is no visible sugar. Continue this process until the dough reaches the right consistency for rolling by hand.
4. Prepare the Pan:
- Line a large metal pan with non-stick aluminum foil or waxed paper.
5. Forming Dough Balls:
- Use a small scoop for quick and consistent ball formation. If you don't have a scoop, you can use two spoons. Here's how:
- With the scoop or one of the spoons, scoop up the desired amount of dough, paying attention to the size you want for all the dough balls.
- Use the back of the spoon to scrape the dough off the first spoon and onto the prepared pan. Start in one corner and space the dough balls out so they do not touch.
6. Chocolate Coating:
- Melt the semisweet chocolate melting chips according to the package instructions.
- Dip each peanut butter dough ball into the melted chocolate using a toothpick or a small fork, leaving a small circle on top to resemble a "buckeye."
- Place each coated buckeye back on the lined pan.
7. Cooling:
- Allow the buckeyes to cool and let the chocolate coating harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
8. Enjoy:
- Once the chocolate has set, your Jiffy's Smooth and Decadent Buckeyes are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. Enjoy these sweet treats with friends and family.
Author: Jennifer Friesen
Hi, I'm Jiffy! I love to learn and share new things. I hope jiffytalking.com will become a friendly hub for people to share their interests and knowledge.
References
- L. H. Watkins & Co. (1887). Important Events in Territorial History. In History of Noble County, Ohio (pp. 79–82). essay. Retrieved September 7, 2023, from https://ia903207.us.archive.org/34/items/historyofnobleco00unse/historyofnobleco00unse.pdf.