When you received a fruitcake, did anyone ever ask, “How long has that fruitcake been around?”  For years people saved fruitcake like it was gold.  Maybe all the rich elements made folk feel guilty to eat fruitcake themselves.  Some even gave fruitcake to their friends and family so share the wealth.  Today more people are diving into irresistible fruitcake so it's unlikely to sit around for very long.

According to statistic gathered by Huang, only 11 percent of people re-gift their fruitcake.  This proves people are realizing modern fruitcake is anything but boring or predictable.  The eclectic international fruits and spices in fruitcake make it impossible to resist.

Huang also revealed a fruitcake can remain edible for up to 26 years in an airtight tin.  If you receive a fruitcake in an airtight tin, it's unlikely you have to worry about its level of freshness.  It is amazing how long a fruitcake remains fresh when it is not exposed to air.  In most instances, fruitcake is only one month to  one year old depending on how it was prepared.

Why does a fruitcake stay so moist, fresh and delicious for years or even decades? Fruitcake has moisture stabilizing properties thanks to the high density of sugars. The sugar reduces the water content in fruitcake to it has less ability to bind to bacteria and microorganisms.  This means a properly stored fruitcake stays fresh for weeks, months or years.

Often people prefer the fruit in a fruitcake to release its tannins over time. Much like wine, fruitcake releases tannins that deepen the flavor.  Many fruitcake enthusiasts insist this delight should be prepared up to a year before giving it or eating it. 

How large is the average fruitcake?  While many people revere fruitcake for its density, some are quite heavy and others are light.  The average weight of a fruitcake is two pounds and will serve up to seven hungry people.  Often fruitcake is served with herbal tea, gourmet coffee, organic milk or dessert wine.

Basically speaking, a fruitcake loaf is heavy and moist.  Several different fruits are incorporated to create a flavor explosion.  Then nuts, spirits, sugars and spices are added to give each fruitcake a unique flavor.  With thousands of recipes for fruitcake around the world, it is impossible to say you dislike it without trying a few.

Many people just fruitcake by rumors.  The best way to decide whether you're impressed by fruitcake is to have a piece yourself.  Let the flavors roll around on your tongue for awhile.  Feel the tangy, sweet or spicy sensation on your tongue. Let the taste linger as you revel in its robust richness and start to fall in love with fruitcake.

Now that you know it's safe to try that fruitcake no matter how long it's been around, get rid of your fears.  Dare to try something different, healthy and absolutely alluring.  Leave your preconceived notions behind to sink your teeth into a satisfying slice of fruitcake.