Epic Spice Facts

 Epic Spice Facts • Test Your Knowledge

Who doesn't love a fun fact?  Gen up on all things spices with our fun facts list.  Especially relevant as the move towards the winter solstice and Christmas where many traditions seem to revolve around spices.

1. Cinnamon's Christmas Connection – Cinnamon has been used in Christmas recipes for centuries! From spiced mulled wine to festive gingerbread, it’s a must-have ingredient during the holiday season.
2. Ancient Spice Routes – Did you know that cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon were once as valuable as gold? These holiday spices travelled thousands of miles from Asia to Europe through the ancient Spice Routes.
3. Nutmeg for Luck! – In the 17th century, nutmeg was believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits during Christmas. That’s why you’ll find it in many traditional holiday desserts!
4. Cloves and Pomanders – Cloves are often studded into oranges to create festive pomanders, which were originally used to freshen the air in homes during winter!
5. Gingerbread Magic – The tradition of gingerbread houses dates back to the 16th century in Germany, inspired by the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. The ginger spice gives this festive treat its signature warm flavor.
6. Star Anise for Extra Festivity – Star anise, shaped like a star, is not only a perfect visual fit for Christmas but adds a unique flavor to mulled drinks and spiced desserts.
7. The Legend of Frankincense – Frankincense, one of the gifts brought by the Wise Men, was a highly prized spice in ancient times and is still used today in perfumes and incense during Christmas services.
8. Spices for Warming Winter – Traditional Christmas spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom are often referred to as "warming spices," believed to warm the body and soul during the cold winter months.
9. Mulling Spices in Medieval Britain – The tradition of mulled wine in the UK dates back to medieval times, when spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon were used to preserve wine and warm people up during cold winters.
10. The Secret of Plum Pudding – The "plum" in traditional Christmas pudding doesn't refer to plums at all! It’s actually a 17th-century British term for raisins, which were preserved with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
11. Peppercorns in Christmas Pies – In the 16th century, British mince pies were savory, not sweet, often spiced with black pepper and saffron! Over time, the recipe evolved to the sweet version we know today, with nutmeg and cinnamon.
12. Caraway Seeds in British Festive Cakes – In Victorian Britain, caraway seeds were used in Christmas cakes and biscuits for their unique flavor and digestive benefits. They’ve been largely replaced by modern baking spices like cinnamon, but you’ll still find them in traditional recipes.
13. Saffron Buns from Cornwall – In Cornwall, saffron is traditionally used to make festive saffron buns and cakes, a tradition dating back to when the spice was imported through Cornish ports during the 17th century.
14. Bay Leaves in British Christmas Traditions – Bay leaves were often placed under the British Christmas pudding for good luck. They were also used in festive wreaths to symbolize peace and prosperity.
15. Wasabi for a Christmas Twist – While not traditionally British, wasabi has gained popularity in the UK, adding a modern spicy twist to holiday canapés or festive party dips!
16. Mace for Medieval British Feasts – Mace, the outer covering of nutmeg, was once a luxury spice in medieval Britain, often used in Christmas feasts for its delicate flavor, especially in sauces for game meats.
17. Spiced Ale and Wassailing – Wassailing, a traditional Christmas custom in parts of England, involves drinking spiced ale or mulled cider with spices like ginger and cinnamon, to bring good health to the land and its people.

Love these fun facts about spices?  Why not have a go at our Curry Quiz and test your spice knowledge.