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Fun Facts About Fruitcake

The Most Hated Holiday Treat

By Amy Brantley, published Nov 19, 2007
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While very few people actually like fruitcake, everyone is familiar with this Christmas treat. But, how long have people been enjoying this holiday treat? What are some of the strange things people do with them? Find out those fun facts and many more in this holiday inspired article.

Fun Facts About Fruitcake: Was Highly Thought of By the Egyptians

Fruitcakes have been enjoyed for thousands of years. In fact, Egyptians were even known to enjoy them. The Egyptians thought so much of these cakes that they put them in tombs. They thought that fruitcakes would survive the long journey to the afterlife. That concept isn't too far-fetched.

Fun Facts About Fruitcake: Snacked on by Crusaders

Even Crusaders knew that fruitcakes could withstand a long journey. Not only did these cakes withstand long journeys, but they were also full of nutritious items like dried fruit and nuts. This was long before the neon green cherries and pineapple.

Fun Facts About Fruitcake: Part of English Wedding Traditions

Another fun fact is that fruitcakes were the wedding cake of choice in England. Obviously, this doesn't sound like the best choice on earth. Regardless, single female wedding guests would take a piece home and place it under their pillow in hopes of dreaming of the man they would marry.

Fun Facts About Fruitcake: They Get Better with Age

Many people claim that fruitcakes get better with age. Another fun fact is that they are perfectly edible as long as there is no mold on them. The only problem is that they sometimes dry out. If this happens, just soak them in alcohol or simple syrup to renew them.

Fun Facts About Fruitcake: Not Favorable Among the Masses

What do you do when someone gives you a fruitcake? An outstanding 38% of people said they gave it away, making fruitcake quite possibly the most popular re-gifted item. Another 13% used it as a doorstop, while 9% threw it away. Still 28% of people ate them. But, other people have more interesting uses for this holiday treat.

Fun Facts About Fruitcake: Used in Some Pretty Strange Ways

Fun Facts About Fruitcake

Fruitcake: You either love it or hate it.

Credit: babe_kl

Copyright: flickr

Takeaways
  • Put into Egyptian tombs.
  • Get better with age.
  • One of the most re-gifted items.
Did You Know?
Many fruitcakes are now made with fruit that cannot be identified, such as neon green cherries.
Comments
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Great article

Posted on 11/21/2007 at 7:11:00 AM

 
But what is the world record for catapulting one?

Posted on 11/20/2007 at 11:11:00 PM

 
I think we have a fruitcake that seems to circulate in our family each year. It keeps getting passed along. ;-)

Posted on 11/20/2007 at 6:11:00 PM

 
we just made some last weekend

Posted on 11/20/2007 at 4:11:00 PM

 
Very interesting facts! I always wished that I could appreciate fruit cake, but now I'm not so sure lol!

Posted on 11/20/2007 at 9:11:00 AM

 
Interesting! Some fruitcake looks like it has been around since Egyptian days!

Posted on 11/20/2007 at 8:11:00 AM

 
I always loved the line from the Mr. Putter and Tabby book about Mrs. Teaberry deserving a special (non fruitcake) cake for Christmas, one that would not break her toe if it fell on her.

Posted on 11/20/2007 at 8:11:00 AM

 
Very entertaining and informative article!

Posted on 11/20/2007 at 7:11:00 AM

 
Great article, Amy. Thanks for mentioning that British wedding cakes tend to be made of fruitcake. It's covered in a thick white icing and the cake is lovely and rich, which is why only a small piece is given to guests. I particularly like fruitcake that has sherry or brandy in it. Sophie

Posted on 11/20/2007 at 6:11:00 AM

 
Great article. I hate fruitcake like most, but good write!

Posted on 11/20/2007 at 6:11:00 AM

 
I do not like any food older than I am..lol

Posted on 11/20/2007 at 5:11:00 AM

 
While my dad loved fruitcake while he was alive, I can't stand it. And I only live 45 miles away from Claxton,, GA, the fruitcake capital of the world. hehehe!

Posted on 11/20/2007 at 4:11:00 AM

 
Very interesting Amy! I remember my mom always having a fruitcake at Christmas...no one ate it, but it was always around! :)

Posted on 11/19/2007 at 11:11:00 PM

 
So much easier to read about fruitcake than eat it ;)

Posted on 11/19/2007 at 11:11:00 PM

 
better with age? dont know if i trust that haha

Posted on 11/19/2007 at 10:11:00 PM

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