The two-layer, 7-inch cake was once frosted, though much of that has disintegrated. Mints are lined up horizontally on the frosting, some bearing the word “Purity” and others “Extra English Mint.” Nuts, now petrified, top the cake.

Back in 1997, when the Hennepin County Public Health office was asked if the county knew of any older food item, they said they had never heard of any.