Leave it to Mainers to add potatoes to their chocolates. In this episode, host Susan Mara Bregman focuses on Needhams -- the state's historic chocolate-covered potato coconut candies. Malaika and Gerard Picard, who own the Maine Needham Company, join the conversation. Susan Mara Bregman is the author of New England Sweets: Doughnuts, Bonbons, and Whoopie Pies (The History Press, 2025).For more info:New England Sweets (www.rednickel.com/shop)Maine Needham Company (www.maineneedhams.com)Susan Mara Bregman's website (www.rednickel.com)Susan Mara Bregman's Instagram (www.instagram.com/rednickelneon/)

Leave it to Mainers to add potatoes to their candies. This episode explores the history and lore behind Maine Needhams, a chocolate-covered coconut-candy treat. Guests are Malaika and Gerard Picard, who own the Maine Needham Company.

New England Has a Sweet Tooth

Needhams -- Maine's Beloved Potato-Coconut Candy