There are two possible types of mincemeat. The first is minced, or ground meat, which is sometimes referred to simply as mince. The second, and more commonly used type, and the one being celebrated today is a sweet item.
The earliest recipes for mincemeat, dating back to the 15th century, did use meat in them, but by the 20th century the term became commonly used for the meat free version. Although it is possible for the mixture to contain meat, it is more uncommon these days, but this is how the name came about.
Modern mincemeat is a mixture made from chopped dried fruit, spices and distilled spirits such as rum. Some fruits used include apple, candied fruits and raisins, but others can be included depending on the recipe. These are then bound together with some sort of fat; originally animal, but vegetarian alternatives exist.
Probably the most common dish in which mincemeat is seen these days is in mince pies, a sweet dessert pie associated with Christmas.
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