7 gingerbread facts: Surprising facts that will impress your holiday guests

These gingerbread facts might make all those holiday cookies and treats seem a little more interesting this year. Who knew that classic holiday cookie was more than a sweet, spicy treat.

Gingerbread facts could be a fun way to make decorating that gingerbread house a little more entertaining. Instead of fighting over the exuberant amount of royal icing used as roof glue, a fruitful discussion on gingerbread could make those holiday treats a little more entertaining.

Recently, McCormick, the popular spice company, shared some interesting facts about the holiday spice. Even though many people created gingerbread houses, bake gingerbread cookies and even enjoy a gingerbread latte, most people don’t think about the history behind this particular spice. Here are a few interesting facts that could impress friends during the holiday season.

Gingerbread House at Epcot, photo provided by Cristine Struble

How many gingerbread men are made a year?

During the holiday season, gingerbread spice is a popular purchase. According to McCormick Spice, 3 million ounces of ground ginger are sold during this time of the year. To put that number in perspective, this amount could make 450 million gingerbread men. Standing side to side, these cookie men could circle the Earth one and half times.

Where did ginger come from?

Ginger being used in cakes goes back to some ingenious monks. Traced back to the 11th century, monks began to experiment with the spice. They used it in cakes that were pressed into molds. Over time, the spice became popular during the holidays and was served at many celebrations. It has become a staple in Europe.

Royal connection

Queen Elizabeth I was quite enamored with gingerbread. To celebrate her guests, she presented them with gingerbread portraits. It is unknown if the guests were required to eat their own head or they just admired the sweet treat.

More from Food & Culture

• Very Grinchmas Kit transforms the vibrant Who-ville world into gingerbread
• 4 Walmart holiday gifts that make the season merry and bright
• Christina Tosi says this holiday treat recipe is a modernized classic, interview
• Williams Sonoma celebrates Peppermint Bark 25 anniversary with new treats
• Kerwin Frost reimagines McDonald’s McNugget Buddies

How old is the gingerbread man?

It is said that the gingerbread man can be traced back to the 1800s. While today’s gingerbread man might be a little different, the classic shape still holds true. Many people love this holiday treat. Where would Shrek be without Gingy?

The gingerbread house has a Grimm connection

While you might enjoy creating that candy covered gingerbread house, it has a rather Grimm connection. It is said that these houses were inspired by Hansel and Gretel story. Look at your gingerbread kit and see if you find the similarity. The tradition was started in Germany and eventually spread to the U.S.

Record breaking gingerbread house

While Food Network baking shows have some impressive creations, the largest gingerbread house was massive. Guinness World Record crowned the largest gingerbread house at 60 feet long, 42 feet wide and over 10 feet tall. This creation was in Bryan, Texas. Everything is bigger in Texas, right?

Global connection

Gingerbread has special meaning in European countries. For example, Germany’s Lebkuchen was once used to play taxes. Wouldn’t it be nice to pay taxes in cookies? In Sweden, Pepparkakor could bring good luck. If the cookie breaks into three pieces when tapped in the palm of your hand, your wish is said to be granted. Wonder how many do-overs are eaten in the process?

These gingerbread facts cold impress people at your next holiday party. Maybe, you leave one of the facts for Santa with his plate of cookies. It could keep you from getting a piece of coal, if you’ve been naughty by eating too many holiday cookies.