October 15th 2024.
The Cornish pasty, a beloved British pastry-based snack, has found a surprising second home in North America, specifically in the small Mexican mining town of Mineral del Monte. This town, located 5,321 miles away from Cornwall, has been enjoying the delicious treat since the 1800s, when Cornish miners first arrived in search of silver and gold.
The University of Exeter reports that these miners not only brought with them the tools of the industrial revolution, but also their cultural traditions such as football and cricket leagues. And of course, they also brought along the key ingredient of the Cornish pasty. Legend has it that the crimped crust of the pasty was designed specifically for miners to hold and eat without getting their hands dirty.
As the years passed, the pasty became a popular snack not just in Mineral del Monte, but all across Mexico. Local chefs have even put their own spin on the traditional recipe, experimenting with fillings like spicy mole, pineapple, blueberry, and cheese. Isabel Arriaga Lozano, who comes from a long line of pasty makers, has been perfecting her craft for over 30 years. She proudly shared with the Associated Press that nearly 50% of the town's population makes a living off of making and selling these delicious pasties. And what makes them truly special is the love and care that goes into each and every one.
The love for pasties in Mineral del Monte is so strong that the town is home to the world's first Cornish pasty museum, Museo del Paste. This museum, visited by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall in 2014, showcases the history of the Cornish-Mexican connection and even offers visitors the chance to make their own pasties under the guidance of local experts. And every October, the town hosts a three-day International Cornish Pasty Festival, where food enthusiasts can come together to sample a variety of pasties from both Mexican and English recipes.
One festival-goer described the treats at the festival as "delicious," a sentiment shared by many who have had the pleasure of trying these unique and flavorful pasties. So, next time you're craving a Cornish pasty, consider taking a trip to Mineral del Monte, the unexpected but welcoming home of this beloved British snack in North America.
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