Wednesday 23 February 2011

Special protection for Cornish pasties

Cornish food manufacturers have won a nine-year battle to win special protection for their most famous snack - the Cornish pasty. This means that any products made in Devon, Wales or the rest of Britain are now banned from being called Cornish pasties.

From now on, only products made in Britain's most south-westerly county will be allowed to be called Cornish pasties. As well as this geographical restriction, there are other elements to consider. Products that include carrots and which are crimped on the top – rather than the correct Cornish style of on the side – will be banned too from claiming to be the real deal.

The ruling, issued by the European Union, puts the Cornish pasty in a select group of products including Champagne and Parma Ham, as well as 42 British specialities such Kentish Ale, Melton Mowbray pork pies, Arbroath Smokies and Cornish clotted cream.

We love proper Cornish pasties and always buy some at Rowes Bakery when we're in Falmouth. These are very different from the pale imitations seen in the large supermarkets so hopefully the supermarkets will have to have rethink now and consider buying their supplies from smaller producers who are located in Cornwall.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't agree with you more about Rowes' pasties, I sometimes think it is the only reason I spend a whole day traveling to Cornwall once a year (usually in winter).

I do regret that the've allowed mince to be used, it should always be good old chuck steak.

Phew, I needed to say that.

Simon.

Julie said...

Thanks for you comment Simon. Yes, the meat definitely has to be chuck steak to hit the spot!