Do You Eat The Fish In Stargazy Pie?

You don’t eat the heads or tails of the fish in the pie; you just pick them out and discard them . Some versions of the pie decorate the top of the pie with piecrust stars as well. Occasionally, the top crust may be mashed potato instead of a pastry crust.

What are the stars in the traditional Cornish stargazy pie?

Whether the legend about the fisherman is true, the traditional recipe for stargazy pie is said to use mainly sardines or include seven different fish, including sardines, dogfish, eel, herring and mackerel , among others, supposedly representing the types of fish the fisherman caught.

How do you make stargazy pie?

Place pastry on top of pie and make slits in top where the heads are and then poke them through so they stand up. Press edges firmly together to deal, trim and brush top with beaten egg. Make a couple of slits or holes in centre to allow steam to escape and bake for 40-50 mins until pastry golden brown .

What fish is a pilchard?

pilchard, a species of sardine (q.v.) found in Europe . It is the local name in Great Britain and elsewhere. Pilchards, or European sardines (Sardina, or Clupea, pilchardus).

When would you eat Stargazy pie?

You’ll find variations of Stargazy pie across England, but as a Cornishwoman, I recommend eating the authentic dish in Mousehole on December 23 at the Ship Inn.

Who invented Stargazy pie?

Jack Guard is a 95-year-old Mousehole man who’s lived in the port for decades. While he sits in his cottage and updates his Facebook (really), I speak to him about his now-deceased wife who, he says, actually invented the Stargazy Pie back in the ’60s.

Where does Stargazy pie come from?

When was Stargazy pie invented?

Stargazy pie originated in the 16th century in Mousehole, a coastal village in the rugged southwestern county of Cornwall, England. Back then, residents got by on the bounty of the sea that their local fishermen were able to bring back.

Are sardines seafood?

Sardines (or pilchards) are small fish that grow up to a maximum of 25cm. Sardines have a strong flavour and are oily and soft in texture. They can be bought and prepared in various forms, altering the taste and texture greatly. They are a popular seafood choice around the world .

What size is a pilchard?

Most juveniles become sexually mature at about a year old and a length of 13 to 14 cm (5.1 to 5.5 in ); pilchards are fully grown at about 21 cm (8.3 in) when aged about eight years. The diet consists of both zooplankton and phytoplankton.

Is a sardine the same as a pilchard?

The fisherman admits, though, that the two fish are “essentially the same”: a pilchard is just a sardine that is more than six inches long.

What is the difference between pilchard and sardines?

The terms “sardine” and “pilchard” are not precise, and what is meant depends on the region. The United Kingdom’s Sea Fish Industry Authority, for example, classifies sardines as young pilchards. One criterion suggests fish shorter in length than 15 cm (6 in) are sardines, and larger fish are pilchards .

What food is Cornwall famous for?

• Cornish Pasty. Top of the list is a traditional, genuine Cornish pasty. ...
• Cornish Clotted Cream. A must-try when holidaying in Cornwall is the famous Cornish clotted cream. ...
• Cornish Yarg. ...
• Cornish Saffron Bun. ...
• Cornish Ice Cream. ...
• Seafood Stew. ...
• Roast Tronçon of Turbot with Hollandaise Sauce.