An 114-year-old Edwardian study has revealed the best way to cut Christmas cake without it drying out – and it seems we've been cutting ours all wrong.
First outlined in 1906 by polymath, Sir Francis Galton, if you cut your slices across the middle, rather than as a wedge from the outside, it can keep the cake moist throughout the festive season.
It's incredibly simple, with the theory behind the trick being that you need to try to get little surface area out to the air so the cake can keep its moisture. By cutting from the inside, the cake keeps a near-circle shape, preventing it from going dry.
The study, which was published in the journal Nature, explains: "The ordinary method of cutting out a wedge is very faulty in this respect. The results to be aimed at are so to cut the cake that the remaining portions shall fit together."
Elsewhere, Professor Budd from the University of Bath explained the best way to divide Christmas cake equally so that everyone gets their fair share. To accommodate unequal slicing, he explained that we should first divide the cake into two.
Then, once these two sections have been placed next to each other, cut more off from the larger piece. Simply repeat the process, until you have equal slices for all. No more fighting over who gets the bigger slice!
"All they have to do is keep repeating this process until only crumbs are left — bingo," Professor Budd told the Daily Mail.
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17 of the best eco-friendly Christmas trees to buy now
This fresh real potted Christmas tree is sure to get everyone feeling festive. Plant it in an outdoor pot and leave in the garden to grow bigger in time for next year.
Even though this table top twig tree from Dunelm will work perfectly for the festive season, it's also subdued enough that it can work all year round as an ornament. It looks especially effective over the winter months.
Picea Glauca Conica Pot Grown Christmas Tree
Looking for a small potted Christmas tree? Keep an eye out for dwarf varities. This evergreen tree, commonly known as the White Spruce, is available from as small as 1-2 feet all the way through to 5-6 feet upon delivery. Simply complete the look with your favourite decorations.
This natural wooden Christmas tree is ideal for painting, decorating and adding your own touch. Great for the kids to get creative this festive season.
A great gift idea, as it can be delivered through the letterbox along with a card, this mini Christmas tree comes with lights and a pop-up gold star pot.
This oak Christmas tree, with a simple star on the top, is a lovely alternative to traditional Christmas decor. It's also available in two different sizes, depending on your space.
Pair of Premium Quality Festive Holly Trees Covered in Berries
Want to brighten up your desk? These mini holly table top trees have lovely dark green foliage, red berries and come in a white plant pot.
Looking for a unique metal tree you can reuse every year? Well, this style is perfect for those who are short on space or who want a minimal Christmas without compromising on style. Simply hang your favourite decorations on the horizontal metal bars.
While it may be an investment, this is a tree that you'll look forward to bringing out year after year – or even decade after decade. Made from birch plywood, it features some charming cut-out stars.
Nordic Forest Wall Hanging Christmas Tree Ladder
This beautiful rustic hanging tree has been created using rows of natural wooden branches hung together with strong jute string. Adorned with festive favourites such as pine cones, forest leaves and berries, it's perfect to reuse every year.
Going for a more minimal or Scandi-inspired decor style this festive season? This rattan-style design is one of our favourites this year. It's also available in white and will work well in a host of different rooms in your home.
Ideal for using as a table decoration, we love this compact variety - which comes in a lovely hessian-wrapped pot complete with a bow, making it a fantastic gift idea too.
Are you on the hunt for a planet-friendly Christmas tree that you can reuse every year? Well, this alternative oak tree ticks all the right boxes. Handmade in Kent, it's perfect to pass down through the generations.
With a silver finish, this mini Christmas tree is great if you don't have space for a larger option in your home.
This extravagant brass wire tree from Nkuku offers a gorgeous base upon which you can add some of your most elegant baubles and decorations. Coming in three sizes, there is an option for every space.
Coming complete with an assortment of baubles, twinkly lights and a red velvet star tree topper, this mini Nordic Christmas tree is also currently on sale.
Available in an array of beautiful colours, from this forest green to a warm white, navy blue or berry hue, this unique paper Christmas tree will wow anyone who pays your home a visit over the festive season. It's also available in a range of sizes, depending on where you'd like to display it.
