Cornwall, famous for its beautiful coastline, has long been a favourite with holiday-makers. As well as the stunning scenery, there are many delicious delicacies typical to Cornwall that you would do well to take advantage of on your stay in the county.
Cornish pasties
When you think Cornish, you’re undoubtedly going to think of pasties and these hearty meal-in-your-hand creations are still keeping the county well-fed.
While you can find pasties all over the British Isles, the only pasties that can be called Cornish must be manufactured in the county to a specific recipe. Made with beef, onion, diced potato and turnip and baked in the traditional half-moon shape, the baking and sale of Cornish pasties accounts for a whopping 6% of the Cornish food economy.
Traditionally made as a lunch for tin miners, the crust is thought to have been created not only to seal the contents inside the pasty but to keep grubby working hands off the best part of the pie. In the days when pasties were carried underground for lunch, the inside of the pasty would often be separated into two sections divided by pastry- one with a meat and vegetable filling and the other filled with fruit.
These days you can find Cornish pasties in just about any shop, but take the time to find a proper Cornish baker that makes its pasties on the premises to get the proper taste of Cornwall.
Fabulous fish
With more than its fair share of fishing harbours along its coastline, Cornwall has always offered excellent fresh fish from restaurants throughout the county.
If you’re fortunate enough to visit Padstow, you can pay a visit to Rick Stein’s seafood restaurant overlooking the harbour. With a daily menu that makes the best of the catch landed that day, you’ll always find something to tempt your taste buds.
If the restaurant is fully booked, or if you’d rather something a little less formal, a walk away from the town along the harbour wall will bring you to Stein’s second establishment in the town: a traditional fish and chip shop. Although the traditionally lard-fried fish and chips are unsuitable for non-meat eaters, if you’re willing to give it a go you’ll find it to be amongst the best in the country.
Delicious dairy
The thin soil and wet conditions of the inland areas of Cornwall are unsuitable for raising crops but provide excellent conditions for grazing cattle. As a result, one of the most famous exports from Cornwall is its dairy produce, and most notably its cheeses and clotted cream.
Yarg is the most well-known cheese produced in Cornwall and is characteristic for its mould-rind made from carefully wrapping the cheese in nettle leaves before it is left to mature. Made only at the Lynher Dairy near Truro, make sure you pack some of this cheese in your picnic as you head out and about around the tin and copper mines for which Cornwall is famous.
Even more popular than the cheese is Cornish clotted cream. Made by gently heating full-fat cow’s milk over steaming water, the thickest ‘clots’ of cream are skimmed off the top of the milk and allowed to set with a crust on the top. The majority of Cornwall’s clotted cream is now made in the dairy at Redruth, and a visit to the town will definitely give you plenty of chance to sample it. An integral part of the Cornish cream tea, clotted cream is best enjoyed with a fresh scone and jam. You might want to take care with the size of your helping, though. At an average of 65% fat, it’s definitely a treat to be enjoyed sparingly!
Sadly clotted cream doesn’t travel well, so it’s best to have your fill while you’re in Cornwall rather than trying to take some home with you. Why not treat yourself and stay in a fabulous Cornish Cottage to enrich your holiday experience?
Conclusion
There are many things to see and do in Cornwall and many culinary treats to experience while you’re about it. Don’t miss the chance to sample some of the typical Cornish delicacies while you’re on holiday there. Hire a rental car and explore the county, you won’t be able to find these delicacies anywhere else.
Image Credits: Hammer51012 and ilgiovaneWalter
