We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Does Fruitcake Ever Go Bad?

Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 2,364
References
Share

Regardless of whether you're a fan of fruitcake or can't stand the holiday loaf, there's no arguing that the one discovered by conservators in Antarctica is pretty impressive.

Historical documents suggest that the cake was brought to Antarctica by none other than explorer Robert Falcon Scott (or, more likely, a member of his team) during Scott's 1910 "Terra Nova" expedition. It was found in 2017 in one of the Cape Adare huts – the oldest buildings on the continent. While the tin-plated container it was found in was partially deteriorated, the fruitcake itself was remarkably well preserved.

"There was a very, very slight rancid butter smell to it, but other than that, the cake looked and smelled edible!" said Lizzie Meek, the artifacts program manager for the Antarctic Heritage Trust. "There is no doubt that the extreme cold in Antarctica has assisted its preservation." According to Meek, explorers to the frosty region have always loved fruitcake, since it travels well, keeps well, and contains a lot of nutrients to supply energy. Antarctic workers can easily burn 5,000 calories a day, so loading up on cake is not such a fruity idea.

Fun with fruitcakes:

  • According to Harper's Magazine, the density of a typical fruitcake is the same as mahogany.

  • Apollo 11 astronauts carried – but didn't eat – a pineapple fruitcake into space.

  • Fruitcakes have been around since at least the days of Ancient Rome; in Ancient Egypt, a form of fruitcake was often left at gravesites as a treat to be enjoyed in the afterlife.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.com/does-fruitcake-ever-go-bad.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.