The pasty (not pastie as would be spelt by a knob) is a 19th Century Cornish invention of thick pastry containing foodstuffs. Primarily, the pasty was used to transport said foodstuffs into harsh environments, such as mines, without it becoming contaiminated. After the contents were eaten, the empty pastry shell was discarded like a condom to appease the mine gods (or Knockers).
Traditionally, the Cornish pasty contains:
- Diced Meat or Steak chunks
- Potato
- Onion
- Swede
- Spices and seasoning
A tell-tale sign of a poor quality pasty is the appearance of carrot.
Cornish pasties have a crimp in the pastry at the side, whereas in Devon, it is more common at the top. It is said by HardcoreKernowBeys that pasties may only be called 'Cornish Pasties' when they are manufactured in Cornwall; whereas in fact it is only to do with the recipe and procedure used in its production.
--- TangerineWolf