The charming Mexican town of Real del Monte, nestled in the state of Hidalgo, recently celebrated its unique culinary heritage at the International Paste Festival. This event honors the ‘paste,’ a savory pastry introduced by Cornish miners in the 1820s, which has evolved into a cherished local tradition, adapted with distinctly Mexican flavors.
Key Takeaways
- The ‘paste’ originated from the Cornish pasty, brought to Mexico by British miners in the 1820s.
- Real del Monte, a historic mining town, is the birthplace of this culinary fusion.
- The International Paste Festival celebrates this unique cultural and gastronomic link between Mexico and Britain.
- Modern ‘pastes’ feature a variety of fillings, including traditional Mexican flavors like mole and spicy tuna, alongside sweeter options.
A Culinary Legacy Forged in Mines
In the early 19th century, as tin mines in Cornwall, England, faced decline, many miners sought new opportunities across the Atlantic. They found a welcoming home in Real del Monte, Mexico, a town rich in silver, copper, zinc, gold, and mercury. These Cornish immigrants brought with them not only their mining expertise but also their iconic half-moon-shaped pastry, the Cornish pasty.
The ‘Paste’ Takes Root in Mexican Soil
The Cornish pasty, a staple dating back to the 13th century, was an ideal portable meal for miners. Its crimped edge served as a convenient handle, keeping the main pastry clean from the grime of the mines. In Real del Monte, this tradition evolved. The local adaptation, known as the ‘paste’ (pronounced PAH-stay), retained its basic form but embraced Mexican flavors.
A Celebration of Fusion
Today, Real del Monte is a testament to this enduring legacy. The town’s graveyard, with its moss-covered graves bearing distinctly English names, serves as a poignant reminder of the miners’ arrival. The International Paste Festival is a vibrant celebration of this history, drawing food enthusiasts eager to sample the diverse offerings.
While traditional Cornish pasties might feature beef, potato, and swede, Mexican ‘pastes’ showcase a delightful fusion. Popular fillings include spicy Mexican mole, frijoles (beans), and Mexican-style tuna, often with a kick of chili pepper. Sweet variations, such as pineapple or blueberry with cheese, are also a hit.
More Than Just a Snack
For the residents of Real del Monte, the ‘paste’ is more than just a food item; it’s a crucial part of their identity and economy. Many families, like that of local paste maker Isabel Arriaga Lozano, have been involved in its production for generations. Lozano emphasizes the love and care put into each paste, alongside the
### Sources
- Mexican town celebrates ‘paste’, a snack derived from Cornish pasty English miners brought, South China Morning Post.
- What’s the link between Cornish pasties and the Mexican mining town of Real del Monte?, Euronews.com.
- Pastry brought to Mexico by British is still popular after 200 years, AP News.
- How the Cornish pasty became a Mexican delicacy, The Economist.
- Cornish pasty origins: How British miners helped inspire Mexico’s tasty snack, paste, 9Kitchen.