Cornish Cuisine

Yarg

There are around 60 varieties of cheese produced in Cornwall with the Yarg nettle wrapped cheese (the stings are removed by freezing the leaves first) the most famous. Originally produced back in the 13th century and revived in the 1960’s by Allan & Jenny Gray and named the cheese after their surname spelt backwards! Or have a try of Cornwall’s newest cheese ‘Kern’, matured for 15 months, its flavour and texture are reminiscent of a comté but with strong hints of a mature gouda.

Crab 
Shellfish still dominate fishing in Cornwall which is done in time-honoured fashion by fishermen who often work alone, laying and collecting their pots every day. By extension the crab sandwich is a holiday staple for many visitors to the area.  Purists say it should never contain mayo, and brown bread is also widely regarded as the best to balance the subtle fish flavour. 

Pilchards
Pilchards were once the backbone of Cornish industry.  During the 18th and 19th centuries in Cornwall, if you didn't work down a mine then the chances are you would be something to do with pilchards. Nowadays there is a rebranding of the pilchard; The Cornish sardine can now be found in upmarket supermarkets throughout the country and grilled at every food festival in Cornwall. 

Stargazy or starrey gazey pie 
Certainly a pie not on everyone’s wish list.  In fact, many locals have done well to avoid it.
The pie itself consists of pilchards, eggs and potatoes covered in a pastry crust and baked. Doesn’t sound too bad? Until we tell you that the heads of the pilchards are left on and poke out through the crust of the pie.
The recipe goes back to the 16th century celebrating the bravery of a fisherman named Tom Bawcock who set out to fish during a storm to feed the village.  He returned with enough fish to feed them all and a pie was made.  The fish heads sticking out to prove there was fish in there…not sure we need that proof, but hey, the rest is history! 

Hevva Cake
Made with lard, flour, butter, milk, sugar and raisins this cake dates back to the days of the pilchard industry. A man known as a huer was employed as a lookout for shoals of Pilchards of which when he saw them he would shout “Hevva, hevva!” ("Here they are!"). 
Once they were caught it was a time for celebration and hevva cakes would be baked. Traditionally there would be a criss-cross pattern on the top of the cake to represent the nets of the fishermen.

The Cornish fairing 
A traditional biscuit of Cornwall. A buttery biscuit similar to a ginger nut but not as crunchy.
The Cornish fairing rose to fame in Victorian times due to the efforts of baker John Cooper Furniss. His biscuits were so popular in Truro that he began to sell them online.

Cornish Mead
Cornwall can’t claim to have invented mead but it does have a special association with the Duchy. Mead is made with fermented honey and water producing unsurprisingly a sweet, potent drink. The Cornish meadery has become an institution a medieval themed eatery where food is served on wooden plates and you eat with your hands and washed down with a load of mead or blackberry wine!

So there you go, something for everyone - have a try and enhance your Cornish experience and if you’re a real foodie you will be spoilt by finding many locally produced goods at the Great Cornish Food Shop in Truro. https://greatcornishfood.co.uk 

Happy Cornish Days!