Traditional Bramley apple pie filling already has its place in the heart of many Britons - and now a European ruling has recognised it as a historical delicacy too.
The mixture is defined as a blend of fresh Bramley apple pieces, sugar and water, with the option of Bramley apple puree, cornflour and lemon juice.
The European Commission said it would give traditional Bramley apple pie filling protected status, joining several other delicacies on the Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG) list alongside the likes of Italy's mozzarella cheese and Belgian lambic beer.
The law seeks to protect the reputation of regional products, promote traditional and agricultural activity and ensure inferior products cannot be promoted unfairly.
Adrian Barlow, chief executive of English Apples and Pears, said: "We are delighted that Bramley apples have been recognised by the EU and that they, like us, realise that the heritage of such an iconic British ingredient is worth celebrating and the traditional Bramley apple pie filling worth protecting.
"Bramley apple pies are part of British cooking heritage and have been enjoyed for generations. This rubber stamp serves to make sure that apple pie standards will remain high and pudding lovers' enjoyment maximised."
A farm product may be registered as TSG only if it is produced using traditional raw materials and prepared with traditional methods.
The designation is considered a boon for ingredient producers as it is thought to place a premium on their product.
The TSG is one of three European designations used to protect local foods, which also includes Cornish pasties and Champagne.
Source: Yahoo