Celebrating the Cumberland Sausage
Cranstons Quality Butchers are holding a six week festival celebrating the Cumberland Sausage. The festival runs from Sunday 19th February to Saturday 31st March and will feature cookery demonstrations, free recipe cards, special offers, competitions, and free 'tasters' that will give customers a chance to try more exotic varieties of sausage alongside Cranstons famous traditional Cumberland Sausage. In addition, local chef John Crouch will present a sausage cookery master class at the Cumbrian Food Hall, Penrith, from 11am- 3pm on Saturday 24th of March.
Two customer competitions will run. A 'Kids competition' will ask children under the age of 12 will come up with their own recipe using Cumberland Sausage. The winning children's recipe will be printed and distributed in all Cranstons shops for customers to enjoy at Easter. Customers will also have the chance to win a 'Speciality Grill Pan' in every shop by entering a Prize Draw, courtesy of Sands Cookshop, Penrith. Customers can enter the competitions by picking up a flyer instore.
Coiled Cumberland Sausage has been a local speciality in Cumbria for around five hundred years, and is made of seasoned, coarsely minced pork. Its origin is often attributed to German miners who came to Cumbria during Elizabeth 1's reign, with the influx of spices into Whitehaven during the 18th century also influencing its recipe. Cranstons own famous Cumberland Sausage recipe was first produced in Kirkoswald almost a century ago, and has remained a closely-guarded secret ever since.
In March 2011 the sausage gained Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, protecting its quality and heritage. The sausage must now be produced, processed and prepared in Cumbria and have a meat content of at least 80%, include seasoning, and be sold in a coil. In gaining the protective mark, Cumberland Sausage joins products such as Champagne, Parma ham and Greek feta cheese.
Managing Director Philip Cranston said, 'We are proud to once again hold our Sausage Festival. It is important to celebrate our regional speciality, as it is unique and of exceptional quality. It remains our best-selling line today and is much loved by both locals and visitors to the area, who take it home in large quantities to stock up their freezers. I am delighted that the Cumberland Sausage has achieved PGI status, protecting our regional food heritage.'
To get involved in the Cumberland Sausage Festival, drop into Cranstons Cumbrian Food Hall on Ullswater Road, Penrith, or their four traditional butcher's shops in Carlisle, Penrith, Hexham, and Brampton.
