NATIONAL BRANDIED FRUIT DAY
On October 20th each year, we celebrate the delicious food holiday known as National Brandied Fruit Day!
#BrandiedFruitDay
Brandied fruit first became popular around the Victorian era. During this time, people discovered brandy added to fruit easily helped preserve it. Incidentally, the process also preserved the flavor of freshly harvests fruit crops while also creating a delicious dessert for adults.
Brandied fruit is created by soaking sweet fresh fruit in brandy, sugar, and spices. After the initial preparation, the fruit will sit for nearly 30 days. Then it is ready to top desserts, pies, and cakes. Interestingly, brandied fruit is used as a starter for Friendship Cake. Similar to the concept of a starter for sourdough bread, Friendship Cake takes time to prepare. However, once you’ve completed the process, you’re sure to enjoy one of the most delicious treats ever!
HOW TO OBSERVE BRANDIED FRUIT DAY
Celebrate by making brandied fruit! Our National Day Calendar Recipe Collection even has a Brandied Fruit recipe for you to try. Not only is it super easy to make, but you don’t need any canning skills to make it either.
Other ways to celebrate the day include:
- Spoon it over ice cream
- Add chopped brandied fruit to cake batter before baking
- Drink the sweetened liquid as a sweet cordial
- Use as a topping for bread pudding
- Spoon over a softened brick of cream cheese and serve with crackers
- Layer in a trifle with cubed pound cake and whipped cream
The best way to celebrate #BrandiedFruitDay is to enjoy some with family friends. Use #BrandiedFruitDay to share on social media and show the world how you #CelebrateEveryDay!
BRANDIED FRUIT DAY HISTORY
The history of brandied fruit is uncertain. Because of that, we have been unable to find the creator of this delicious food holiday.
Brandied Fruit FAQ
Q. How long do I let the fruit sit in the brandy for brandied fruit?
A. For the best flavor, leave your fruit in the brandy for at least a month. However, storing the fruit in the branding for longer will only improve the flavor.
Q. Do I need to give the brandied fruit a hot water bath?
A. No. Even though many people use canning jars to make brandied fruit, do not seal the jars using a hot water bath. The brandy will preserve the fruit. However, be sure the brandy covers the fruit and that you store the jars in a cool place.
Q. What fruits are best for brandied fruit?
A. Almost any fruit makes delicious brandied fruit. However, some fruits should be avoided such as bananas due to their texture and softness. However, other fruits such as cherries, pears, nectarines, plums, and berries make fantastic brandied fruit.
October 20th Celebrated History
1811
The steamboat named New Orleans is launched. It is the first steamboat to travel the Mississippi River.
1917
In January, Alice Paul joins thousands of other women marching for women’s right to vote. Charged and convicted of obstructing traffic, Paul began a seven-month jail sentence on October 20th. However, she continued her protest for women’s suffrage by going on a hunger strike.
1924
The Kansas City Monarchs triumphed over the Hilldale Athletic Club in the first Negro League World Series. Nearly 50 thousand fans attended the nine-game-series, watching future Hall-of-Famers such as Judy Johnson and Bullet Rogan.
1927
Ford produces the first Model A. The new model came in four colors and replaced the Model T.
1955
Harry Belafonte records the “Banana Boat Song” written by Irving Burgie and William Attaway. Belefonte featured the song on his Calypso album.
1984
The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California opens. At the time, it was the largest aquarium in the United States. Today, the aquarium hosts numerous exhibits and teaches visitors about the importance of conservation.
1987
Geffen records release its first album. Donna Summer’s The Wanderer hit number 13 on the Billboard 200 and was a certified gold hit.
1992
Major League Baseball plays the first World Series game outside the United States. The Toronto Blue Jays beat Atlanta 3-2.
October 20th Celebrated Birthdays
Bela Lugosi – 1882
A native of Hungary, Lugosi is one of the best-remembered actors to ever play Count Dracula in film.
Enolia McMillan – 1904
The civil rights activist was the first woman president of the (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) NAACP.
Joyce Brothers – 1927
Often called America’s favorite shrink, the psychologist hosted a television talk show and wrote a syndicated advice column.
Mickey Mantle – 1931
The Hall of Famer played 18 seasons with the New York Yankees. The savvy hitter also played outfield.
Tom Petty – 1950
The award-winning singer-songwriter led Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and joined the Traveling Wilburys before launching into a solo career.
Julie Payette – 1963
In 2017, the former astronaut was elected to the office of Governor-General of Canada.
Snoop Dogg – 1971
Born Calvin Broadus, the talented rapper and actor has won numerous awards for his music. However, to date, he has not won a Grammy despite being nominated 16 times. In 2018, he earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Roscoe’s House of Chicken N’ Waffles in Southern California founded National Chicken and Waffles Day in 2021 to highlight this delicious cuisine pairing and to dedicate the day as one of service and volunteerism. Check out Roscoe’s foundation website to see more ways to get involved and celebrate National Chicken and Waffles Day.
Tiffany R. Lewis, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of