Cornish pasty

Cornish Pasty is a traditional British dish originating from Cornwall, a county in the South West of England. The pasty, a type of pie, is notable for its distinctive 'D' shape and crimped edge, with the filling enclosed within the pastry.

History

The history of the Cornish pasty is steeped in the mining heritage of Cornwall. Miners would take these hearty, portable meals with them to work, as they were easy to carry and could be eaten without cutlery. The crimped edge of the pasty was used as a handle, which was then discarded due to the miners' dirty hands.

Ingredients

A traditional Cornish pasty is filled with beef, sliced or diced potato, swede (also known as a yellow turnip or rutabaga) and onion, seasoned with salt and pepper. The ingredients are enclosed in a pastry shell, crimped on one side.

Cultural Significance

The Cornish pasty is a significant part of British cuisine and Cornish culture. It has been awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status by the European Union, meaning that only pasties made in Cornwall and following the traditional recipe can be called 'Cornish pasties'.

Variations

There are many variations of the Cornish pasty around the world, influenced by different cultures and cuisines. These include the 'Bridie' in Scotland, the 'Empanada' in Spain and Latin America, and the 'Pierogi' in Poland.

See Also

• British cuisine
• History of the Cornish pasty
• Variations of the Cornish pasty