Spices: The heart of the flavour of traditional gingerbread
In the culinary world, spices are like brushes for a painter - they allow us to add depth, nuance and character to our dishes. When we think of traditional sweets such as gingerbread, it is the spices that become the heart of its flavour. The right spice combinations can transform a simple cake into a true culinary masterpiece, highlighting its historical roots and cultural identity.
The classic gingerbread in question is so firmly rooted in our tradition mainly thanks to the set of unique spices that give it its unmistakable aroma. Have you ever wondered what the secrets are behind this specific, spicy flavour? Or have you tried to recreate this flavour, but something has always gone wrong? The spices are the secret to perfect gingerbread.
But before we delve into the world of gingerbread spices, it is worth understanding the great role they play in cooking in general. In an era when cooking is becoming increasingly popular and cooking enthusiasts are seeking authentic flavours and aromas, spices are an integral part of any kitchen. Not only do they add flavour, but they also play an important role in health, food preservation and even culture.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at what spices are essential to creating the perfect gingerbread and the stories and flavours behind them. Together, we will discover why the right choice and proportions of spices are the key to successful gingerbread baking that will delight everyone.
Read also: Is it healthy to drink coffee with cinnamon?
What should gingerbread spice consist of?
In the world of spices, there are certain classic ingredients that define its taste. In the case of gingerbread, there is a set of basic spices that have been used for centuries to give it its characteristic flavour. These are:
Gingerbread spice ingredients - basic:
Below are the spices that are the basis of gingerbread, in descending order. Cinnamon comes first, and you can add one of its varieties or a mixture of them. It is important to get to know them both in order to discover which one suits us better. For all those who consume cinnamon for health purposes and limit their intake of coumarin, we remind you that Ceylon cinnamon is the one with low coumarin content.
- Cinnamon cassia (Latin: Cinnamomum cassia):
Also known as 'plain cinnamon', it gives gingerbread a deep spicy flavour. It is one of the most commonly used spices in baking. Most often, if the type of spice is not specified on the packaging, you just buy cassia cinnamon.
- Ceylon cinnamon (Latin: Cinnamomum zeylanicum):
Called true cinnamon, it has a more refined, citrusy aroma compared to cassia cinnamon. It works great in gingerbread by adding just those citrus notes. Ceylon cinnamon is prized by consumers for its lower coumarin content.
- Ginger:
A key ingredient in gingerbread that gives it its characteristic spicy and slightly pungent flavour.
- Cardamom:
Its citrus aroma adds depth of flavour. It is very popular in Scandinavian versions of gingerbread.
- Cloves:
They are a very aromatic spice. Cloves bring a spicy, warm flavour to gingerbread and add a note of spiciness.
Read also: Is cinnamon a safe spice?
Ingredients for gingerbread spice to complement the aroma and sharpen the flavour:
Below you will find a list of spices that are added to the gingerbread spice mix optionally, but we recommend using at least some of them, for a richer flavour and fuller gingerbread aroma.
- Allspice:
A slightly peppery flavour that blends perfectly with the rest of the spices.
- Nutmeg:
Quite a versatile spice, intense in flavour and aroma, so small amounts should be added. Slightly sweet and nutty, it adds a richness of flavour.
- Coriander:
Although it may seem unexpected, its slightly citrusy flavour can add an interesting touch to traditional gingerbread.
- Pepper:
Adding a light peppery note to gingerbread accentuates the flavour wonderfully, but does not overwhelm the whole composition with its aroma.
- Lady anise and star anise:
Both have a sweet, slightly liquorice-like flavour that adds depth to the aroma. We recommend choosing star anise as a more classic option.
- Dried orange peel:
Adds a fruity touch that contrasts well with the spicy flavours.
- Ground van illa and vanilla stick:
A sweet and aromatic accent that adds delicacy and exclusivity.
By remembering the right proportions and combinations, you can create an endless palette of flavours, customising gingerbread to your own tastes. In the following sections of this article, we will look at how to combine these ingredients into the perfect blend.
Read also: Vanilla from Uganda vs. Bourbon from Madagascar
What to look out for when buying a ready-made gingerbread spice mix?
We know that many of you have been discouraged by ready-made gingerbread spice mixes because of their poor quality. However, for many people, buying a ready-made gingerbread spice mix is a convenient option, especially as you can find 100% natural, high-quality spice mixes on the market. In catering and confectionery applications, buying a high-quality ready mix allows for repeatability of products, which is important for consumers. Here are the key points to consider when choosing a blend:
The addition of flour and sugar:
Unfortunately, some commercial mixes contain flour or sugar as fillers. Flour, apart from bringing gluten into the seasoning, may not be a desirable ingredient in your baking. The addition of sugar z makes such a spice almost useless in baked goods without added sugar. With these ingredients in the ingredients, you are usually overpaying for the gingerbread spice you buy.
Ingredients and their quality:
Spices raise expectations of depth of flavour and richness of aroma. The most important thing is to read the labels. The ingredients of products in the EU are listed in descending order. For gingerbread spices, look for a blend consisting of 100% natural spices.
Mr Cook Gingerbread Spice:
Distinguishes itself on the market thanks to its ingredients, it is composed of 100% natural spices, with no fillers added. Its ingredients include: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, coriander, black peppercorns, and poorer aniseed. The classic gingerbread spices have been supplemented with coriander and a touch of black pepper, among other things. This makes Mr Cook's gingerbread mix very aromatic, with a complex flavour profile that tastes great in gingerbread.
Date of minimum pickling:
Spices lose their strength over time. It is therefore important to check the expiry date of the mixture, which should not be less than 6 months. Fresh spices will ensure an intense and deep flavour. At Mr Cook, the production of the blends takes place on an ongoing basis - when you buy from us you are guaranteed freshness.
Read also: Vanilla sticks - how to use
How to prepare your own gingerbread spice mix?
Homemade gingerbread spice will allow you to tailor its taste and aroma to your preferences. A recipe for homemade gingerbread spice can consist of whole or ground spices.
Recipe for homemade spice made from whole spices:
Making your own gingerbread spice mix from whole spices is guaranteed to give you the best quality, but it is also the most labour-intensive.
Ingredients:
- 10 Ceylon cinnamon sticks (approx. 25g)
- 5 cassia cinnamon sticks (approx. 18g)
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 10 cardamom seeds (these are the small black seeds from the green shell of the cardamom fruit)
- 8 cloves
- 3 grains of allspice
- 1/2 nutmeg
Instructions:
- Crush the cinnamon sticks into finer pieces
- Place all ingredients in a mortar or grinder (e.g. coffee grinder)
- Crush/mill them until you have a homogeneous mixture
- If crushing in a mortar, add the ginger powder at the end
- Store in a tightly closed jar in a dark and cool place.
Homemade ground spice recipe:
Ground spices are more often than not on hand in the home kitchen, with them you can successfully make an aromatic and natural gingerbread mix
Ingredients:
- 4 teaspoons ground Ceylon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cassia cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice ground
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.
- Store in a tightly closed jar in a dark and cool place.
By preparing your own spice mix, you have complete control over the taste of the gingerbread. Plus, by doing so, you avoid additives and fillers that may be present in ready-made mixes. Experiment with the proportions, add or omit ingredients as you wish. Enjoy your gingerbread!
Practical tips for using gingerbread spices
- How much gingerbread spice should I add?
The amount of spice added depends on your personal preference. Start with 1 large spoon per 500g of flour.
- When to add the gingerbread spice:
The spices need to be added while the dry ingredients are being mixed, allowing the flavouring to be evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Various uses for gingerbread spice outside of traditional gingerbread:
- Cakes and biscuits: Gingerbread spice will add a unique flavour to traditional baked goods such as muffins, cheesecakes and biscuits.
- Seasoning for mulled wine: Mix gingerbread spice with sugar or honey in a ratio of 1:10 to create an aromatic blend ideal for mulled wine or other warm drinks based on wine or cider.
- Morning coffee: To make your morning coffee extra special, add a little gingerbread spice directly to the ground coffee beans before brewing.
Meat sauces: Gingerbread spice can be a great addition to sauces for red meats, especially beef or game.
These practical tips should be taken as a starting point, especially if you are starting out on your culinary adventure. It's worth experimenting in the kitchen, and spices and their proportions are very graceful for this. They are what will give your baked goods their individual character.
Read also: How to spice pumpkin soup
Summary
Now the ingredients of gingerbread spice are no longer a mystery to you. Using the right spices, whether classic or more exotic, can enrich your baked goods and make them special.
Spices are the heart of any baked good, and their right choice and combination are crucial to the final result. We encourage you to experiment with different spice combinations and share your experiences with us. Whether you decide to use ready-made spice blends or prepare your own blend, remember that passion, experimentation and love of baking is the key.
Polish importer and distributor of spices Mr Cook is synonymous with the highest quality in the food industry. Our spices, herbs and seasoning blends are carefully selected to meet the expectations of even the most demanding chefs. Thanks to our extensive range, every dish can become a work of culinary art. Discover our range and let Mr Cook be your partner in creating unforgettable flavours.
