Origins Of The ANZAC Biscuit and History (2024)

FAQs

What is the history behind Anzac biscuits? ›

Anzac biscuits have long been associated with the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) established in World War I. It is thought that these biscuits were sent by wives and women's groups to soldiers abroad because the ingredients do not spoil easily and the biscuits kept well during naval transportation.

A point of interest is the lack of eggs to bind the ANZAC biscuit mixture together. Because of the war, many of the poultry farmers had joined the services, thus eggs were scarce. The binding agent for the biscuits was golden syrup or treacle.

ANZAC is the acronym formed from the initial letters of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. This was the formation in which Australian and New Zealand soldiers in Egypt were grouped before the landing on Gallipoli in April 1915. The acronym was first written as “A & NZ Army Corps”.

ANZAC Biscuits During the War

They were often eaten as a snack during breaks in battle or as a substitute for bread when supplies were low. The biscuits were so popular that they were even sent to soldiers on the front lines of the war.

The use of the word 'Anzac' in the commercial production and sale of Anzac biscuits is usually approved, however the biscuits must not substantially deviate from the generally accepted recipe and shape, and must be referred to as 'Anzac Biscuits' or 'Anzac Slice' (not 'Anzac Cookies').

Traditional 'Gunfire' - rum in a cup of coffee, tea or milk is also be served. 'Gun fire' was originally a British military term referring to the early cup of tea served out to troops in the morning the rum was added for an extra tipple of courage for the day ahead.

According to taste.com.au Food Editor Miranda Payne, the traditional Anzac biscuit was the harder, crunchy version. Over time, the original recipe was modified with variations being cooked for less time (making them chewier) or adding more sugar (so they're super crispy).

Although it's a myth that Anzac biscuits were sent and eaten by troops in Gallipoli, some evidence suggests a rolled oats based biscuit was sent to troops on the Western Front, although this is not widespread.

With Anzac biscuits a rare, if not impossible, find in South Sudan, local caterers have risen to the challenge of baking their own.

Digger is a military slang term for primarily infantry soldiers from Australia and New Zealand.

Why do we wear poppies on Anzac Day? ›

The red poppy is a symbol of remembrance of those who died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae first described the red poppy, the Flanders' poppy, as the flower of remembrance.

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

The original Anzac biscuit was known as an Anzac wafer or tile and, along with beef bully, was part of the rations given to our soldiers during World War I. They were included instead of bread because they had a much longer shelf-life.

The story of the Anzac biscuit

Originally, the Anzac biscuit was designed to travel well over several weeks at sea, so the recipe didn't feature eggs, golden syrup or coconut. Their incredibly tough consistency and savoury taste meant that they were purely a source of sustenance and not particularly enjoyable.

They might contain laurel, a traditional symbol of honour, and rosemary, or they may be native or other flowers. In recent years, it has also become popular to lay a wreath of red poppies—formerly associated with Remembrance Day, 11 November. Any of these wreaths or flowers are acceptable as a gesture of remembrance.

The red poppy is a symbol of remembrance of those who died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae first described the red poppy, the Flanders' poppy, as the flower of remembrance.

25 April is the national day of commemoration of Australia and New Zealand for victims of war and for recognition of the role of their armed forces. It marks the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

Known as 'hardtack biscuits' the original biscuits were a nutritional substitute for bread and, as the name suggests, they were very, very hard.

If you under bake these, they'll be soft; if you over bake, they'll become a little harder, although they shouldn't become like rocks, as they'd burn first. I'm sure you'd notice that! ??? If your Anzacs spread, your butter was too warm. Chill them for at least 30 minutes before baking, and this should help.