Freezing Melton Mowbray Pork Pies: A Guide for Preserving an Iconic English Delicacy

The Melton Mowbray pork pie is an iconic culinary tradition in England These delicious hand-raised pies originating from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire have been enjoyed for generations Their distinctive gray pork filling encased in a mouthwatering hot water crust pastry is unmatched.

What do you do if you don’t eat the whole pie? Can you freeze these delicate English treats to enjoy later?

The good news is yes you can successfully freeze Melton Mowbray pork pies! When frozen and thawed properly they maintain their signature texture and flavor.

Find out how to freeze Melton Mowbray pork pies so you can always have this piece of English food history on hand.

First, let’s cover what makes Melton Mowbray pork pies so special. These pies have specific criteria to be considered authentic:

• Baked within the Melton Mowbray Protected Geographical Indication region
• Made with uncured British pork
• Meat seasoned only with salt, pepper, and nutmeg
• Baked free-standing, not in a pie tin

The hand-raising technique also sets them apart. Skilled bakers knead the dough until lard coats each pastry layer. This creates the pies’ signature crumbly, crunchy crust.

Finally, pork pies contain an aspic jelly filling made from pork stock. The savory jelly moistens the meat during baking.

With such meticulous preparation, it’s no wonder Melton Mowbray pork pies became famous across England. Their unique taste and texture is worth preserving.

Can Melton Mowbray Pork Pies Be Frozen?

The good news is yes, authentic Melton Mowbray pork pies freeze extremely well. The pies’ high fat and salt content prevents freezer burn. Freezing locks in their signature texture and flavor.

When frozen and thawed properly, Melton Mowbray pork pies retain their:

• Flaky, crispy hot water crust pastry
• Savory pork filling
• Gelatinous pork jelly center

Freezing gives you the ability to enjoy Melton Mowbray pork pies for months to come. You can stock up on a trip to England and save them for special occasions. Or freeze any leftovers from a pie you can’t finish.

Either way, freezing lets you savor their one-of-a-kind taste anytime.

How To Freeze Melton Mowbray Pork Pies

Freezing Melton Mowbray pork pies is simple, but proper technique preserves quality. Follow these steps:

• Wait til pies are completely cool – Freeze pies within 2 hours of baking or buying. Letting them cool prevents moisture condensation that can make the pastry soggy.

• Keep original packaging – Leave pies wrapped in their original waxed paper packaging. This protects the fragile crust.

• Double wrap pies – Wrap the pie-filled waxed paper in a layer of aluminum foil. The foil provides an extra moisture barrier.

• Place in freezer bags – Put foil-wrapped pies in zipper freezer bags. Freezer bags prevent freezer burn.

• Remove excess air – Compress freezer bags to remove excess air before sealing. Air exposure can cause freezer burn.

• Label bags – Write contents and freeze date on bags. This lets you use oldest pies first.

Follow those simple steps, and your Melton Mowbray pork pies are ready for the freezer!

How Long Do Frozen Melton Mowbray Pork Pies Last?

When frozen correctly at 0°F, Melton Mowbray pork pies stay fresh and delicious for 3-6 months.

Pies lasting 6 months in the freezer is the maximum. For absolute best quality, use frozen pies within 3 months.

Monitor your freezer temperature to ensure it maintains 0°F or below. Temperatures warmer than 0°F decrease frozen pork pie shelf life.

Properly frozen and thawed, Melton Mowbray pork pies will taste freshly made even after months in the freezer.

How To Thaw Frozen Melton Mowbray Pork Pies

Never thaw Melton Mowbray pork pies at room temperature. Temperature fluctuations create an environment for bacteria growth.

Instead, use these safe thawing methods:

• Refrigerator thawing – Thaw overnight in the fridge, 12-24 hours. Keeps pies chilled at 40°F.

• Cold water thaw – Submerge frozen pie packaged in a zipper bag in cold water for 30 minutes.

• Microwave thawing – Defrost in 10-second bursts, flipping occasionally. Check often to prevent cooking.

Once thawed, Melton Mowbray pork pies will last 4-5 days refrigerated. Always keep them wrapped until ready to serve to retain moisture.

Avoid refreezing thawed pork pies. Refreezing causes ice crystals to form again, damaging the pastry texture.

How To Serve Thawed Melton Mowbray Pork Pies

The ideal way to enjoy thawed Melton Mowbray pork pies is to let them come to room temperature before eating.

About an hour before serving, unwrap the foil and waxed paper packaging. Letting the pie rest unwrapped allows the flavors to fully develop.

Then slice the pie into wedges and enjoy! The tender, salty pork filling pairs perfectly with the flaky hot water crust.

Some delicious ways to serve thawed Melton Mowbray pork pies:

• As part of a ploughman’s lunch spread
• Alongside English cheese and chutney
• On a picnic with mustard and pickles
• On a pub platter with ale

Their adaptable flavor works for any meal or occasion. Freezing lets you enjoy their distinctive taste anywhere, anytime.

Tips for Freezing Melton Mowbray Pork Pies

Follow these tips and tricks for delicious Melton Mowbray pork pies after freezing:

• Choose top quality pies with at least a week before the sell-by date to allow for freezing time.

• Let pies cool completely, about 2 hours, before freezing to prevent soggy pastry.

• Double wrap pies in waxed paper and foil to prevent freezer burn.

• Portion pies into meal sizes before freezing for easier thawing and use.

• Always thaw frozen pork pies slowly in the fridge, never at room temperature.

• Enjoy thawed pies within 4-5 days for best quality and food safety.

• Avoid refreezing thawed pies to maintain the pastry’s signature texture.

Is Freezing Melton Mowbray Pork Pies Worth It?

Freezing gives you the ability to enjoy Melton Mowbray pork pies for months to come. It offers many benefits:

• Prevents waste by freezing leftovers
• Saves money by buying pies in bulk when on sale
• Provides access anytime – no running to the store
• Locks in freshness for 3-6 months
• Maintains signature flaky, crumbly crust
• Allows enjoying pies’ unique flavor at their peak

As long as frozen and thawed properly, Melton Mowbray pork pies hold up beautifully to freezing. Their one-of-a-kind taste and texture stays preserved.

So go ahead – stock up on these English delicacies on your next trip across the pond. With proper freezing methods, you can enjoy authentic Melton Mowbray pork pies for months to come.