Gingerbread 101: History, Ginger, and Literature

Gingerbread variations

• It was not until the 15th century that gingerbread is associated with various baked goods that combine ginger, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and sweeteners. The term used to mean "preserved ginger" only.
• Gingerbread men were baked by Elizabeth I's men to show respect to visiting guests and ambassadors.
• Gingerbread house became popular in German after the fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel" was published by the Brothers Grimm in the 19th century. But there is also some evidence that supports the opposite cause-and-effect relationship between gingerbread house and the fairy tale. Either way, German immigrants then brought the tradition to North America.