FAQs
Since 2011, the Cornish Pasty has enjoyed protected status under Protected Food Names legislation; so only a pasty made to a specific recipe in Cornwall can be called a “Cornish Pasty”. Fake products can no longer devalue the great reputation of genuine Cornish pasties.
What is the protected designation of Cornish pasty? ›
What is a GI? GI stands for Geographic Indicator. It's a framework that gives legal protection to the name Cornish Pasty and stops inferior products being passed off as genuine Cornish pasties.
What is the secret of the Cornish pasty? ›
Use a firm waxy potato such as Maris Peer or Wilja. A floury potato will disintegrate on cooking. Crimping is one of the secrets to a true Cornish pasty. A good hand crimp is usually a sign of a good handmade pasty.
What is the story behind the Cornish pasty? ›
As mining boomed in Cornwall, pasties became a go-to meal for the miners' crib break (a Cornish colloquialism for a mid-morning break): they were an all-in-one meal that could be taken down the mines, particularly if they were so deep that it was impractical for the miners to return to the surface during the day for a ...
What do the Cornish call a Cornish pasty? ›
Oggy, Oggy, Oggy
In the Cornish language, a Cornish pasty is known as an “Oggy”. When the Cornish pasties were finished cooking and ready to be eaten, the wives would go to the mineshaft and shout down: “Oggy, oggy, oggy!”, and the men would shout back “Oi, oi, oi!” to let them know the pasties were on their way.
What is the status of Cornish pasty? ›
Just like Champagne, the Cornish pasty enjoys protected or “PGI” status under EU Protected Food Names legislation. This means only a pasty made to a specific recipe in Cornwall can be called a “Cornish Pasty”.
What foods have protected status? ›
The Regulation applies to certain agricultural products and foods for which there is a link between the characteristics of the product or the food and its geographical origin: they may be wines, cheeses, hams, sausages, olives, beers, fruits, vegetables, breads or animal feed.
What are the rules for Cornish pasty? ›
According to the PGI status, a Cornish pasty should be shaped like a 'D' and crimped on one side, not on the top. Its ingredients should include beef, swede (called turnip in Cornwall), potato and onion, with a light seasoning of salt and pepper, keeping a chunky texture.
What is a Cornish pasty called in America? ›
This made for a hearty yet portable meal for the miners. They're still very popular there, and you'll find them in every local bakery and community cookbook! American pasties are the American equivalent to Cornish pasties.
Is it illegal to call a Cornish pasty? ›
The Cornish pasty has been given protected status by the European Commission so no matter where it is made in order to be called a Cornish pasty it has to contain beef, onion, swede and salt and pepper and be crimped along the side not along the top.
No debate here: carrots are "sacrilege" as the Cornish Pasty Association points out: the swede adds all the sweetness this dish needs. Older recipes tend to be vague on exact details but potatoes should be waxy, as the CPA makes clear, rather than the floury ones Mark Hix uses, so they keep their shape when cooked.
What is the pasty controversy? ›
Opposition. In response to the ensuing row, a number of campaigns were launched in order to try to prevent the tax rise on the Cornish pasty. These ranged from The Sun's "Who VAT all the pies" campaign to an online petition set up by the Cornish Pasty Association entitled "Don't Tax My Pasty".
What is the difference between a pasty and a Cornish pasty? ›
There will always be great debate about the origin of the pasty, but one easy way to detect the Devon pasty from the Cornish is that the Devon pasty has a top-crimp and is oval in shape, whereas the Cornish pasty is semi-circular and side-crimped along the curve.
Why are Cornish pasties protected? ›
PGI stands for Protected Geographical Indication and protects products which have close traditional ties to a specific geographic location. PGI protection guarantees a product's characteristics or reputation, authenticity and origin. It protects the product name from misuse or imitation.
Why does a Cornish pasty have 20 crimps? ›
The Cornish pasty
Pasties went down the mines, across the fields and out to sea. Which is why they have the crimped edges so that the miners could hold onto them (there are no soap and basins down the mines!) The Cornish pasty's name came west of the Tamar, in the county of Cornwall.
What is the Scottish version of a Cornish pasty? ›
Bridie
A bridie |
---|
Alternative names | Forfar bridie |
---|
Type | Savoury pasty |
Place of origin | Scotland |
Main ingredients | Pie crust, minced steak, butter, beef suet |
What's the difference between a Cornish pasty and a normal pasty? ›
There will always be great debate about the origin of the pasty, but one easy way to detect the Devon pasty from the Cornish is that the Devon pasty has a top-crimp and is oval in shape, whereas the Cornish pasty is semi-circular and side-crimped along the curve.