The Cornish Pasty is now protected. BTW, who does this look like to you?

When Americans like food, they eat it. When the Brits like food, they give it “protected status.” Yep, like an endangered species.

Last week, the Cornish pasty (think pie crust stuffed with filling and rolled up like a calzone and baked) joined other British delicacies like Jersey Royale potatoes and Cornish clotted cream and acquired “Protected Food Name Status” by the European Union (EU). Read more about it and view a map of the UK’s protected foods.

What’s it all mean?

Well, now the Cornish pasty will get the respect it deserves: If it’s not made in Cornwall, it can’t be called a Cornish pasty. Pasty, yes. Cornish, no.

It makes me feel a little bit sorry for the food on our shores, so sweet and vulnerable.