British pork pie is a traditional savoury pastry that has charmed palates for ages. These mouth-watering portable treats have a fascinating history, regional variants, and a distinctive culinary tradition. British pork pies are an essential component of British cuisine and a part of daily routine for most British. Let us explore more about this savoury dish.

History of British Pork Pies

The word pie first appeared in The Oxford English Dictionary in 1303 and became popular by 1362. This is why it is said that pork pies have been around since the Middle Ages. It was during this period that humans wrapped meat in shortcrust to keep it fresh. Today, pies are made famously across Britain, not just in bakeries and restaurants but also in households.

The history of pork pies begins in medieval England. The pies were referred to as "coffins" during this time because of the thick pastry crusts that protected and kept the meat filling. Back in the days, a mix of minced and chopped meats, which frequently included pork, were encased in a sturdy pastry casing.

In medieval England, pork pies served a special purpose. The meat was sealed inside the thick, durable pastry crusts, preventing it from going bad and making it appropriate for long-term preservation and travel. This is why the travellers, hunters, and labourers always carried it for their meals.

Popular Snack in the Victoria Era

Pork pies became increasingly popular in the 19th century. People savoured them frequently at Victorian picnics and in pubs. Pork pies were a preferred option for outdoor meals because of their size and the ease of carrying them around. Even the royals loved pork pies. They were a favourite of Queen Victoria, and they were served at numerous royal festivities and ceremonies.

Regional Variation

With time, different parts of the UK began to create their own distinctive versions of the pork pie. Local ingredients, recipes, and techniques played a significant role in shaping the different types of regional pork pies we know today.

Famous Pork Pies

The Melton Mowbray pork pie, which is named after the Leicestershire market town of the same name, is one of the most well-known varieties of pork pies. These pies often have a unique uncured pork filling and are hand-made. When baked, the pastry turns crisp and golden, and the filling gets juicy and soft.

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) - The Melton Mowbray pork pie was granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) designation by the European Union in 2009 in recognition of its distinctive status and conventional manufacturing processes. Because of this designation, only pork pies produced in the specified region and according to certain standards may be referred to as Melton Mowbray Pork Pies.

Unique Stories and Traditions

British pork pies have become an integral part of British society, with interesting myths and customs surrounding them:

The Great Pork Pie Championship - This competition honours the craft of creating pork pies and is held yearly in Melton Mowbray. Contestants compete for the coveted honour of ‘Supreme Pork Pie Champion.’

The Pork Pie Appreciation Society World Championships - This unique competition, hosted by the Pork Pie Appreciation Society, is dedicated entirely to pork pies. It invites contestants to submit their pork pies for evaluation, with judges assessing them for things like taste, texture, and presentation. It is a fun and delicious celebration of pork pies.

Pubs and Picnics - British pork pies are an important part of picnic lunches and bar menus. They are usually savoured with pickles, chutneys, and a pint of beer.

Pork Pie Week – ‘Pork Pie Week’ is an annual celebration of pork pies organized by numerous establishments throughout the UK. However, it is not a competition. It usually involves special discounts, tastings, and gatherings that revolve around these delicacies.

Recipe of British Pork Pies

A British pork pie is a savoury pie made with minced pork that has been seasoned with herbs and spices, including sage, nutmeg, mace, and black pepper. The pork is usually a combination of pork belly and shoulder. The balance of the meat and seasoning is the secret to its particular flavour. The pastry normally has a crisp, golden crust and is created with flour, chilled butter, and water. The pastry is filled with the spiced pork mixture and baked until the dough is beautifully browned, and the meat is well cooked. After the pie has cooled, a tasty jam or sauce is poured over it to add moisture and deliciousness.

Did You Know?

Largest Pork Pie - The largest pork pie ever created set a record in 1998. This enormous pie was made by the British company Pork Farms and weighed an astounding 102 pounds (46.26 kg). Even though Guinness World Records no longer actively maintains this record, it is nevertheless an impressive accomplishment in the world of pork pies.

World's Largest Meat Pie - The World's Largest Meat Pie was made in Sydney, Australia, in 1988 by a group of chefs. Although this pie wasn't exclusively made of pork, it included other meats such as beef and weighed around 10 tons (nearly 9,000 kg). It attracted a lot of attention and was cooked for Australia's Bicentennial celebration (the 200th anniversary of European colonization in Australia.)

Conclusion

British pork pies represent centuries of culinary development and regional diversity in addition to being a culinary treat. Pork pies have earned a special place in the hearts and stomachs of Britons and food fans throughout the world. Whether you like the classic Melton Mowbray pie or the homemade one, pork pies will always have a special place in the heart of the British.