National Plum Pudding Day celebrates a traditional dessert that, despite its name, contains no actual plums. Instead, it’s a rich, dense cake made with dried fruits, suet, spices, and often moistened with brandy or dark beer.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: February 12th annually
- Tagged as: Food & Drink, Snacks & Desserts
- What’s the hashtag: #PlumPuddingDay
- When was it founded: Unknown
- Who founded it: Origins unclear
History
Originally created in 17th century England, plum pudding began as a savory dish containing meat and vegetables. Over time, it evolved into a sweet dessert closely associated with Christmas celebrations. The name comes from pre-Victorian England, where raisins were called “plums.”
Timeline
- 1600s: Original creation of plum pudding
- 1714: First published recipe appears
- 1837: Becomes associated with Christmas through literature
- 1861: Mrs. Beeton publishes famous recipe
- 2000s: Modern international popularity
Dates for Next Years
| Year | Month | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February | Monday |
| 2025 | February | Wednesday |
| 2026 | February | Thursday |
| 2027 | February | Friday |
| 2028 | February | Saturday |
Observed
The day is celebrated by making and sharing traditional plum pudding, often accompanied by hard sauce or ice cream. Many families maintain the tradition of communal stirring and wish-making while preparing the pudding.
Fun Facts About Plum Pudding
- Can be aged for up to a year
- Traditional recipe includes silver coins for luck
- Often flambéed with brandy before serving
- Associated with “Stir-up Sunday” in British tradition
Quiz
- What main ingredient is NOT in plum pudding?
- How long can plum pudding be aged?
- What was plum pudding originally?
-(Answers: 1. Plums 2. Up to a year 3. A savory meat dish)
FAQs
Q: Does plum pudding contain plums?
A: No, it contains raisins which were formerly called plums.
Q: Can plum pudding be stored long-term?
A: Yes, due to its alcohol content and preparation method.
Importance of Plum Pudding Day
This celebration helps preserve a centuries-old culinary tradition while bringing people together to share in a unique dessert experience that spans cultures and generations.
Related
- National Fruitcake Day
- Christmas Pudding Day
- National Dessert Day
- British Food Heritage Day