Let’s be honest, if you don’t like pasties then you aint proper cornish. A cornish pasty is the heart and soul of the Cornish people. It’s not just a piece of food or a funny-looking shaped pie. It’s Cornwall’s identity. Just as pasta is associated with Italians, the cornish pasty is ingrained in Cornwall’s personality.
Now you don’t have to be Cornish to love a pasty. In fact, I truly believe most ‘Northerners (Birmingham and up) should in fact love a pasty. Especially considering they love pies. Now below is a bit of information to help you learn what a pasty is and why you should love it. But most of all, where to find the best pasties.
The History of the Cornish Pasty
The Cornish pasty has a rich history that can be traced back to the 13th century. Initially a food for the wealthy, which makes sense considering the amount of ingredients in it eventually became a staple lunch for Cornwall’s tin miners in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Long story short miners would have hazardous materials on their hands, the type that makes you seriously sick. Arsenic, etc. (I’m not into mining so I’ve made that Arsenic part up but you get the point. Soot, grit, dirt, just loads of stuff on their hands). So a miner would hold a pasty by the crust when eating it. Once finished they would then through the crust part away. Hence that’s why people always say ‘real pasties’ have the crust on the edge.
If you fancy learning more then click on the Cornish Pasty Association link. They’ll give you more historical facts about the Cornish pasty.
The Uniqueness of the Cornish Pasty
But in this post lets move on to what makes a Cornish pasty truly Cornish.
According to the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status it received from the European Commission in 2011, a genuine Cornish pasty must be prepared in Cornwall and have a distinctive ‘D’ shape, among other requirements. To be honest I actually can’t believe this went to the European Commission (money well spent, not) but it also proves why people from Cornwall hate Ginster trying to come across as a real cornish pasty when it is shaped more like a slice.
The Traditional Cornish Pasty Recipe
The traditional Cornish pasty recipe is simple:
It requires sliced or diced beef, onion, potato, and turnip. Though outside of Cornwall you’ll mostly likely use swede. Anyway, all of this is then encased in a shortcrust pastry. No artificial flavourings or additives are allowed except pepper to ensure the authentic taste that has made Cornish pasties famous worldwide.
Cool fact: Pasties used to be like this at one end then the other end would be a sweet feeling. Lunch and dessert all in one. Sounds like a great idea if you ask me.
Where to Find the Best Cornish Pasties
OK now to the real hard stuff. Where can you find the best Cornish pasties in Cornwall?
If you come from London you might have heard of the West Cornwall Pasty Company. You won’t them many places in Cornwall if anywhere. I had to google if their pasties are even made here.
If you go to most towns then one of these 5 companies will most likely be in it the high street selling pasties. Rowes, Philips, Cornish Oven, Barnecutt, and Warrens. All of them are good and have little quirks about them. For me I love Cornish Oven pasties. I always find them consistent and bigger than the rest.
What do I mean by consistent? The same no matter what shop you visit. Some of the other companies put to much or to little pepper in them. And this makes a massive difference to how a pasty tastes.
Outside of these companies, you have the smaller quite often family business. Places such as Morris Pasties in Newquay or Sarah’s pasty shop in Looe. But there is a secret trick to finding a great pasty.
DONT go to a pasty shop!
That’s right. If you want a pasty that’s gonna melt in your mouth, the beef skirt tastes awesome and makes you wish you lived here, then find a butchers that sells pasties. Why because what makes a great pasty is the beef. Some pasties put mince meat in, some steak chunks. And who has the best beef? That’s right….butchers!
Fun Fact About Cornish Pasties
Did you know that over 120 million Cornish pasties are made each year, contributing around £300 million to the Cornish economy? Or that there’s an annual World Pasty Championships, held at the Eden Project, celebrating the art of pasty-making?
Conclusion
So what’s the secret to finding a great pasty? Find a butchers that sells pasties! They have the best meat. If not stick to the fab 5 listed above. And what’s my favourite? Hampsons of Hayle. And guess what, it used to be a butchers but its pasties were so good it turned into a pasty shop!
FAQs
This section will provide answers to frequently asked questions about Cornish pasties, like ‘Can you get vegetarian Cornish pasties?’ or ‘What’s the best drink to pair with a Cornish pasty?’ Visit the Cornish Pasty Association for more fun facts and information about this classic dish.
1. Can you get vegetarian Cornish pasties?
While the traditional Cornish pasty is filled with meat, many shops and bakeries in Cornwall offer vegetarian versions. These pasties might be filled with a combination of cheese, onion, and potato, or other vegetables like peppers, zucchini, and carrots. Do note that these are typically referred to as ‘vegetable pasties’ as per the PGI rules that define the contents of an official ‘Cornish pasty’.
2. What’s the best drink to pair with a Cornish pasty?
Cornish pasties are hearty and flavourful, making them quite versatile in terms of drink pairings. A traditional cider from Cornwall like those produced by Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm would certainly complement a Cornish pasty. Alternatively, a robust English tea or even a local ale can also make for a great pairing.
3. How long can a Cornish pasty be stored?
If properly stored in a refrigerator, a Cornish pasty should stay fresh for around 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasty and reheat it in the oven when ready to consume.
4. Can a Cornish pasty be eaten cold?
Absolutely! While many prefer to enjoy a Cornish pasty hot, it can certainly be eaten cold and many find it just as delicious.
5. Where can I find the best Cornish pasty outside of Cornwall?
Many places around the UK and even internationally offer Cornish pasties. Quality and authenticity may vary, so it’s best to check for good reviews and, if possible, an indication that they follow the traditional recipe. Remember, however, that only pasties made in Cornwall can legally bear the name ‘Cornish pasty’. Whatever you do avoid eating a Ginsters pasty. It’s more like a minced beef slice.
6. What’s the biggest Cornish pasty ever made?
The world record for the largest Cornish pasty ever made is held by Proper Cornish Food Company, who made a pasty weighing a whopping 1900lbs (861.8kg) in 2010. That’s a lot of pasty!
