Gingerbread has changed a lot throughout history. Different cultures and people groups have put their own spin on this spiced treat since ancient times, and it’s evolved into the chewy gingerbread men we see on shop counters today. But where did it all begin?

 

The Origins of Gingerbread

“Gingerbread” comes from the Old French word, “gigembras”, which roughly translates to “gingered food”. During the Middle Ages, the term became “gyngebreed” in Middle English, which eventually evolved into “gingerbread”. 

Through research, food historians have been able to trace the origins of gingerbread all the way back to Ancient Egypt, where a type of sweet, gingered biscuit was used for ceremonial purposes. Gingerbread appears in Ancient Greek history too, with the first known recipe for gingerbread dating back to approximately 2400 B.C.

What constituted “gingerbread” throughout the centuries has differed to varying degrees, but today it’s identified as a sweet treat that combines ginger with honey or molasses.

 

Gingerbread in The Middle Ages

As trade with Asia in the Middle Ages commenced, ginger and other spices became readily accessible to wealthy Europeans and the concept of gingerbread spread across the continent. The medieval variety of gingerbread was typically made with stale breadcrumbs, honey, saffron, pepper, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon. It was around the 16th century that the stale breadcrumbs were replaced with flour, giving the gingerbread a lighter feel and taste. 

The tradition of shaped and decorated gingerbread can be traced back to monks of the Middle Ages, as they’d carve biblical scenes or saints into the gingerbread before baking. This idea caught on throughout the years, with medieval fairs across Europe usually offering gingerbread cookies shaped like animals, flowers, or royalty. Queen Elizabeth I enjoyed ordering gingerbread that resembled the dignitaries visiting court, and these cookies would feature intricate details and gold leaf designs.

 

Gingerbread for Medicinal Purposes

Ginger has long been known for its ability to aid in digestion, but people in the Elizabethan era took this a step further. They believed gingerbread could ‘comfort the stomach’, help with flatulence, and sharpen your eyesight. (If only!)

In the 17th century, gingerbread saw the introduction of treacle to its mix, replacing honey as a sweetener. Treacle started off as a thick paste of honey and spices that was sold as a cure for poisons and venomous bites. But as Britain continued its colonisation of the Caribbean and America, the price of treacle fell enormously due to the exploitation of enslaved Africans forced to work on Caribbean plantations. Treacle became so affordable it replaced honey in many medicines, was used to distil rum, was sold as a cheap sweetener, and eventually made its way into gingerbread.

 

Gingerbread in the Victorian Era

Although the ingredients to make gingerbread had become more affordable by Victorian times, it was still considered a special treat. It was commonly associated with fairs, where it was available in different shapes with an array of decorations. Monarchs were still a very popular gingerbread design, and Queen Victoria herself enjoyed sharing gingerbread with her children and dogs around Christmas time. Prince Albert even dressed up as Saint Nicholas and gifted their children apples and gingerbread for being good.

In the early 19th century, a gilded King George atop a horse was a popular gingerbread treat for young children, and we’ve even found a gingerbread mould of a chicken wearing trousers! 

 

Gingerbread Today 

Nowadays, when you think of gingerbread, you probably picture a gingerbread house. Building small houses from gingerbread can be traced back to 19th century Germany when bakers began using spiced honey biscuits (lebkuchen) to create the houses. It’s assumed that the tradition of gingerbread houses must have spread to Britain at some point in the 19th century, and from there, the rest is history.

Gingerbread houses and gingerbread men are still a staple of Christmas celebrations in many countries, and iced gingerbread is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee at any time of the year. 

It’s incredible to think that although the recipe has been tweaked and reinterpreted many times, in 2024 we’re still appreciating the joy of gingerbread. From Ancient Greece to the reign of Queen Victoria, people have enjoyed this sweet, spiced treat and recipes have been passed down through generations. Our Hosome family recipe is part of that tradition, and we couldn’t be prouder to continue the legacy of gingerbread. 

 

Why not treat yourself to a little taste of history? Grab your Hosome Gingerbread today.