Episode Transcript

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Why Does Fruitcake Last So Long?

Welcome to Food Safety in a Minute from Washington State University Extension.

Focus of humor, the longevity of a holiday fruitcake. According to the USDA, in a pantry, fruitcakes stay fresh and safe to eat for six months. When frozen, for up to a year.

Why does fruitcake last so long? Because of the ingredients and preparation. Dried fruit contains less moisture along with a high sugar content. Both prevent bacterial growth. Often, home-made fruitcake is soaked in alcohol which adds flavor and antimicrobial properties.

After baking bread or cake, the starch molecules in flour become disorganized creating air pockets which lead them to stale more quickly. The dense texture and low moisture content of fruitcake limit this reaction. Thus, they are good to eat for a long time before becoming stale.

Thank you for listening. I’m Susie Craig.

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Resources

Solis-Moreira, Jocelyn. Why Does Fruitcake Last So Long? Scientific American. 12/23/23.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-does-fruitcake-last-so-long/.

Accessed online 11/14 /24.