With Pancake Tuesday coming on the 14th of February, Lemon and Sugar remain the most popular toppings for Irish families.
- A recent nationwide survey by iReach Insights showed that 82% of all adults picked either Sugar or Lemon juice as the their favourite toppings across both males and females.
- Nutella is the 3rd most popular topping nationwide, followed in 4th by Maple Syrup. Uniquely in Munster, Banana toppings are more popular than Maple Syrup.
- Only 5% prefer a pancake with no toppings.
A Whisk Through Irish History of Pancake Tuesday
As the days lengthen and spring whispers its arrival, Ireland gears up for a beloved culinary tradition: Pancake Tuesday. Aso known as Shrove Tuesday in most circles, this day marks the final hurrah before the solemn season of Lent begins.
Holly and Hearth:
- In the olden days, resourceful Irish households saved holly remnants from Christmas. Why? To ignite the fire that would cook their pancakes! These simple yet satisfying treats were a last indulgence before the Lenten fast.
- As meat consumption was off-limits during Lent, families slaughtered animals for a grand Shrove Tuesday feast. Generous farmers ensured that their less fortunate neighbours received a share of the bounty.
Marriage Divination:
- Ah, love and pancakes! Shrove Tuesday was a time when weddings couldn’t happen during the fasting season. Irish Catholics abstained from marrying during Lent.
- Hence, the period leading up to Shrovetide became a flurry of weddings. But for singletons, it was a different story. They faced societal pressure to tie the knot.
- Skellig Night, especially in parts of Cork and Kerry, involved raucous street processions. The still-single were playfully urged to “go to the Skelligs,” the islands off the coast of Co. Kerry. Legend had it that Ash Wednesday arrived later there, leaving time for last-minute nuptials.
