‘Jings’ and even ‘Crivvens!’ as Oor Wullie might put it. According to a report in today’s Times, the consultation process which would give Dundee cake protected EU status is to be given a further boost by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead.
The minister is expected to launch a consultation exercise in the cake’s home town. The completed exercise will form the basis of the Scottish government’s official request for protected status.
The EU Protected Food Name scheme highlights regional and traditional foods whose authenticity and origin can be guaranteed. The product is awarded one of three marks: Protected Designation of Origin (PDO); Protected Geographical Indication (PGI); and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG).
You can see the full list of British food stuffs with protected status here. Arbroath smokies, Stornoway black pudding and Cornish pasties are among the existing products covered by the scheme.
Queen of cakes?
Legend has it that the Dundee cake was invented for Mary Queen of Scots. She wanted cake but didn’t want any cherries in it. An enterprising baker swiftly whipped up a cake with candied peel, sultanas and almonds.
Rather less romantically, others attribute the Dundee cake to Janet Keiller of the marmalade dynasty.
The campaign for Dundee cake to be granted protected status has been rumbling on for some time but, if this consultation phase is successful, then campaigners hope that Dundee cake will have protected status next spring.
The Times quotes Alan Clark of Clark’s Bakery in Dundee as saying ‘It’s got to have the taste of the Seville orange in it and it must not have cherries. A lot of the supermarkets and big shops don’t sell ones that are right.’
First Dundee cake. Next step, that great Dundonian delicacy: the peh.