Spiced bun

A spiced bun is a bun into which spices were added during the making process. Common examples are the hot cross bun and the Jamaican spiced bun.

pices used in spiced buns

"Spices" used in the preparation of "spiced buns" include:

* cinnamon
* mace
* nutmeg
* coriander
* allspice
* saffron
* mixed spice - a non-standardised mixture of spices used in the preparation of many spicy foods.

History of spiced buns

It is not known where or from the work of whom that "spiced buns" first came into being. However, it is likely that they evolved congruently throughout bakeries in Europe in the 17th - 18th century, a time when most exotic spices become more commonly available. Spiced buns are carried by retailers such as bakeries and supermarkets.

Types of spiced buns

Many local forms of the "spiced bun" exist, an example of which being the Cornish Saffron Bun.See also List of local varieties of Spiced Bun.

The "hot cross bun" is probably the most well-known manifestation of the spiced bun, and a great tradition has grown up around it in England. Hot cross buns are traditionally baked on Good Friday, although they can often be purchased at other times of year. In Australia and New Zealand, the Boston Bun is a larger variety of the spiced bun, topped with coconut icing.

Jamaican spiced bun

The Jamaican spiced bun is shaped like a loaf of bread and is a dark brown colour. It is commonly eaten with cheese and is also eaten with butter or alone. Jamaican spiced buns can be toasted.