Rusk

Rusk is a typical Dutch grain product that can be placed in the category of bread and crackers. But it is a bit different from those two. It is crisp like a cracker, but airy like a nice white roll. In the Netherlands, it is also a tradition to serve rusk with sugared anise seeds at the birth of a baby.

Why rusk with sugared anise seeds?

As mentioned, in the Netherlands we serve rusk with sugared anise seeds at the birth of a baby. This tradition grew when Princess Beatrix was born in 1938. To celebrate this, the well-known bread topping brand De Ruijter released a special edition of sugared anise seeds, namely Orange sugared anise seeds. Since then, this has become a popular tradition.

But the start of this tradition began much earlier. Because people used to believe that anise helps with the production of mother's milk. Therefore, it was given to mothers of newborn babies. Nowadays this is no longer necessary from a health perspective, but the tradition has remained. Rusk with sugared anise seeds, a lovely tradition to celebrate the birth of a baby.

Blue sugared anise seeds

Blue sugared anise seeds are used at the birth of a boy.

Pink sugared anise seeds

And at the birth of a girl, rusk with pink sugared anise seeds is used.

Where to buy rusk with sugared anise seeds?

If you live abroad and are expecting a baby, then buy your rusk with sugared anise seeds at Dutch Shopper. The blue and pink sugared anise seeds can be bought here.