Why does fruitcake last so long

After wrapping, pop the cake in an airtight container. Royal icing can last longer than three days when stored in the fridge, but for best results, try to use or eat it within those three days. To store a cooled Christmas cake, wrap it tightly in a double layer of greaseproof paper or baking parchment parchment paper followed by a double layer of foil and then store it in an airtight container or tin in a cool place away from direct sunlight. I like to wrap the cake in a double layer of greaseproof paper and then in double foil.

Secure it all with an elastic band, then keep it in an airtight container till needed. Marzipan dries out over time, which makes it harder to roll.

The most toxic thing you might eat this Christmas is cyanide, in marzipan. If your hands are getting sticky when working with marzipan, you can either use a little white vegetable fat Trex on them or an icing sugar duster. Do not use cornflour as it can react with the marzipan and create mould and cracking. For an extra insurance policy, cover the liquor-wrapped fruitcake with aluminum foil and then store it in your container.

If stored in the fridge, fruitcake can last up to 6 months, according to the USDA. If you are reaching the 6-month mark, give your cake a quick once over to ensure it is still edible—no sense in taking the risk of consuming expired cake. Tip: Due to their dense composition, fruitcakes do not slice well. In the fridge, however, your cake will slice a bit better and stick together with less crumble.

Although a personal preference, it will make your life easier when serving multiple guests. For storing more than 6 months, freezing your extra fruitcake is the preferred option.

Keep in mind, however, that the cake must be aged for at least 4-weeks time. This only applies to alcohol-covered fruitcake as the alcohol does not freeze. Before consuming, ensure your fruitcake is thawed correctly. Even with your best efforts, eventually, your fruitcake will go bad. Like all dairy, when exposed to air, oxidation starts, and your cake begins to expire.

This is why wrapping it with liquor-soaked cheesecloth is critical. Not to mention storing it in an airtight container to maintain optimal moisture. It is a shame that such a delicate dish faces an inevitable expiration date. Here a few ways to tell if it is time to get rid of the cake:. The most common way of storing fruitcake is using a rum-soaked cheesecloth.

It needs to be covered entirely in this cloth to be best preserved. With a few simple steps, you will not only retain precious moisture, but you will also significantly increase the length of consumption and overall taste:. How one supermarket is keeping pace with surge in demand for plant-based food Ad Feature Christine McGuinness says she was raped at a party aged 13 and heartbreakingly blamed herself as she had been drinking alcohol Advertisement.

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