A pork pie is a traditional English meat pie, typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature as a snack or part of a meal. It consists of roughly chopped pork and pork fat encased in a hot water crust pastry, with a layer of jellied pork stock. The pie often contains seasonings like pepper and nutmeg. The modern pork pie evolved from medieval cuisine, where meat was encased in pastry to preserve it.
Several companies produce pork pies, with some brands having a long history. Dickinson & Morris, based in Melton Mowbray, has been making pork pies since 1851. Pork Farms, a Nottingham-based producer, has been in operation since 1931. Melton Mowbray pork pies have a Protected Geographical Indication, meaning only pies made in the Melton Mowbray area can use that name. These pies have a bow-walled pastry case and are filled with uncured pork, giving the filling a grey color. The meat content must be at least 30% of the whole product and should not contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
The price of pork pies can vary. Individual pies may cost around $8 to $12. Larger pies can range from $17 to $22. Availability is widespread, with pork pies found in supermarkets, butcher shops, and specialty food stores throughout the United Kingdom and even for sale online in the USA.
