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Local Food Heroes
Leicester & Leicestershire Food Producers
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie
It was the manufacture of Stilton Cheese that led to the production of the famous Melton Mowbray Pork Pie. Whey, a by-product of Stilton Cheese making, led to pork production in the area and subsequently to the manufacture of Pork Pies.
But, what makes a Melton Mowbray Pork Pie any different from one produced elsewhere?
Basically, the answer is nothing other than tradition and the method of production. Efforts are, however, being made to have the pie registered with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) to stop any old rubbish, made anywhere, being sold as Melton Mowbray Pie.
So what defines a Melton Mowbray Pork Pie?
The consensus is that firstly, it is a raised pie, moulded by hand from ‘hot water crust’ pastry made with pork fat. It must be cooked free-standing, not in a ring or mould, as it is this that gives the ‘pot bellied’ shape of the true pie.
Secondly, the pork meat should be fresh, not cured and should be chopped, not minced: even the true Melton pie producers chop it too finely for some! The pie should contain a layer of jellified pork stock between the pastry and meat. It should certainly not contain any preservatives or monosodium glutamate etc. Its main seasonings are salt and pepper.
Don't accept imitations insist on a proper pie — or even better — make your own.
Pork Pie Links:
- Dickinson & Morris – Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe, Melton Mowbray. Still of good quality even though it is owned by the food giant Samworth Bros.
- Brockleby's – Melton pork pie won the Great Taste Award 2006.