Where does the name "gingerbread" come from? (What does the name "gingerbread" mean?)
The secret of the delicious Polish gingerbread “piernika” is hidden in its name, which comes from the word “pierny”, meaning “peppery”. Ingredients such as mąka (flour), miód (honey) and przyprawy korzenne (spices) are used in its preparation. You can find out about this in the najstarszym znanym przepisie (the oldest recipe) toruński specjał from 1725, zawartym w dziele Compendium medicum auctum.
Why gingerbread for the holidays? (Dlaczego pierniczki na święta?
First of all, the Polish gingerbread “piernik” is a symbol of bogactwa (symbol of wealth), representing dobrobyt (well-being) and luksus (luxury), as well as słodkie życie (sweet life). In the 19th century, these treats became available to everyone thanks to the spread of spicy spices. Today, they are an integral part of the Christmas table in many regions of Poland.
Did Copernicus eat Polish gingerbread?
Did you know that Mikołaj Kopernik, born in 1473, could enjoy these aromatic pastries? After all, the art of Toruń bakers was known long before his birth!
Why is gingerbread dark? (Why is gingerbread dark?)
The dark shade of "piernika" is the result of a combination of honey and spices, which give it a dark brown or light brown color. Add baked "rumieniec" to this, and you get a unique warm shade.
Gingerbread as a medicine (Lek na przeziębienie, trawienie i depresję)
Polish gingerbread is not just a delicacy. Since the 15th century, it has been used as a remedy for colds and other ailments, thanks to the healing properties of spices. Gingerbread was considered an effective remedy for depression and bad mood. This ensured gingerbread a place as a “permanent resident” in the medicine cabinets of wealthy people. A Toruń proverb says: “Piernik jest to cud przyrody, żołądkowe leczy wrzody”. Gingerbread is a miracle of nature, it cures stomach ulcers.
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