seed cake etymology

Etymology

The term "seed cake" has two possible etymologies:

  • Seed (noun): Seed cakes were traditionally made with caraway seeds, which gave them a characteristic flavor.
  • Sew (verb): In the past, seed cakes were often baked in small, round molds resembling sewing needles.

Meaning

A seed cake is a type of sweet cake made with flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and spices. It is characterized by the addition of seeds, typically caraway seeds, but also sometimes anise seeds or poppy seeds. Seed cakes are often flavored with lemon zest or orange juice.

Origin

The origin of seed cakes is uncertain, but they are believed to have been introduced to England from the Netherlands in the 16th century. Seed cakes quickly became popular in England and were often served at weddings and other celebrations. The cakes were also a popular snack for travelers.

Today, seed cakes are still enjoyed in England and other parts of the world. They are often served as a teacake or as a light dessert.

seed cake relate terms

  • seed

    Etymology The word seed comes from the Old English word sæd which is related to the

  • seed

    Etymology The word seed comes from the Old English word sæd which is related to the

  • flan

    Etymology French flan Latin fladonem flat cake Meaning A custard tart made with

  • simnel

    Etymology Middle English symenel from Old French cymenel simenel likely from Med

  • placenta

    Etymology The word placenta comes from the Latin word placenta which means flat ca

  • seminar

    Etymology The word seminar originates from the Latin word seminarium which can be tr

  • seminary

    Etymology Latin seminarium Proto Indo European se men meaning to sow Meaning

  • dissemination

    Etymology Dissemination originates from the Latin word disseminare meaning to sow se

  • master

    Etymology The word master comes from the Old French word maistre which in turn comes

  • arbiter

    Etymology The word arbiter derives from the Latin word arbiter meaning judge or

  • decision

    Etymology Late Middle English from Anglo Norman French descisioun from Latin decisio