Praise The Pasty

A humble harmony of succulent beef, sturdy vegetables and buttery pastry has become one of Cornwall’s most iconic and cultural symbols. We all know it well – the Pasty. With the annual World Championships approaching in March held at the Eden Project, myCornwall explores the historical influence this simple yet effective dish has had not only on Cornwall, but the world.

Contrary to popular belief the exact origins of the pasty are unknown (although let’s just say Cornwall started the trend). Recipes for pasties have dated back as early as the 16th Century and traces of its origins go even further back to the 13th Century. It was during these periods that the pasty was largely renowned as a food for the wealthy and the royalty. Recipes for pasties varied, some containing venison or even salmon as their meat component. Since the early 1860s, the term ‘Cornish pasty’ has been commonly used. In contrast to its earlier days as a food for the rich, the pasty soon became popular with miners due to its handy shape, meaning it could be eaten without cutlery, and its ability to stay warm for several hours due to the dense pastry. The typical crimped edge was believed to act as a ‘handle’ for the miners to hold, so they could avoid their dirty fingers touching their food or mouths. This has later been disputed as many photographs show that pasties were wrapped in paper bags and eaten entirely – much like they are today (because who doesn’t love the crust?). 

It’s no surprise that this match made in heaven reached around the globe. Famed for being the most skillful mineral miners in the world - traces of Cornwall’s mining heritage can be found as far as South America - with the miners came their love for their favourite traditional dish. In Mexico, the Cornish brought many new cultures to these dry lands, (including Methodism and football). ‘Paste’ as they are known there, can be found dotted around the most rural of settlements, from small shacks in the walls to large drive-through restaurants, pasties can be found all the way from Pachuca to Mexico City.