People have been enjoying the sweet aroma of tree loppers Newcastle, Northumberland for hundreds of years. The aroma has been compared to “a smoky bar”, and the smell that emanates from the shops and stalls in this town is sometimes described as being “like an old English country front with all the interlocking slashes and holes”. The smell of the local produce, though, can be described as “smoked pork pies”.
Lopers, a local term for sausage rolls, are found in abundance in Newcastle. It’s said that during the reign of King Alfred, a baker started making his own, and some claim that the bread was handed down through generations. When Edward II went on a trip in 1533, he brought back hundreds of shoppers from France, which he presented to the townspeople at a banquet.
Shopkeepers and stall holders are not the only ones who enjoy the scents of the loaves. Customers like to smell the delicious and strong aroma of the loaves, which can be combined with other ingredients to make sweets or cookies. The more the scent is spread, the better the quality of the loaves will be.
Loppers in Newcastle are made of wheat, rye or barley. They are usually stuffed with sausages, onions, cheese and onion, or with mashed potatoes. Meats such as bacon and mutton are also sometimes added. Though traditionally regarded as a treat for children, nowadays they are eaten by adults as well.
The people of Newcastle do not believe in bad luck when it comes to eating tree loppers. Some people do not even care if they are meant for babies and small children. Others, however, use them as an ingredient in other dishes to ensure that they are not used for curses or bad omens. Of course, it can be hard to distinguish if someone is trying to curse you with an unfavourable effect on your health or a mere enjoyable smell.
Tree loppers are not only enjoyed by the natives of Newcastle but also by tourists. They come from Ireland, Germany, Italy, Holland, France and the United States. There are also loaves from France, Portugal, Spain and the Czech Republic.
If you are planning to visit Newcastle, don’t forget to try some of the old fashioned baked loaves, known as “king cakes” which are made of raw dough and fillings like apples, berries, cream and custard. You can also purchase tree loppers filled with exotic fruit like coconuts, mangos, pears and pineapples.
Unlike the “horse food” versions that so many people have been consuming, tree loppers from Newcastle are healthy, economical and just as tasty. Even the odour is not a burden, as many people have discovered that they can leave their loaves outside and enjoy the delicious aroma without the fear of bad fortune.