History
A Culinary Journey
The paste, a savory pastry with deep roots in Mexican culinary tradition, has a fascinating history that dates back to the early nineteenth century. Originally introduced by Cornish miners who arrived in Mexico to work in the silver mines, this humble pastry has undergone a remarkable transformation, blending English and Mexican culinary influences. What began as a traditional Cornish pasty has evolved into a staple of the Hidalgo region’s gastronomy, known today as the “paste.” This timeline highlights the key events that shaped the development and cultural significance of the paste in Mexico, from its arrival in the mining towns to its recognition as a cultural and gastronomic heritage.
A New Beginning for the Mines
After Mexico’s War of Independence, the region’s abandoned mines prompted a search for foreign investment. José María Romero de Terreros, the third Count of Regla, turned to England, leading to the creation of the “Company of Adventurers in the Mines of Pachuca and Real del Monte.” Cornish miners, renowned for their mining skills, began arriving in Mexico to work in the silver mines.
Arrival in Veracruz
The first significant group of Cornish miners and machinery landed in Veracruz in 1825. Many of these early arrivals hailed from the mining regions of Camborne, Redruth, and Gwennap, bringing their expertise to the Mexican silver mines.
Machinery Arrives in Mineral del Monte
The imported mining equipment from Cornwall made its way to Mineral del Monte. This marked the start of modernized mining operations in the region, setting the stage for future development.
Creation of the Society of Aviators
With the primary English investment ending, the “Society of Aviators of the Mines of Real del Monte and Pachuca” (SAMRMyP) was established. It featured a mix of Mexican and English capital, continuing to employ Cornish miners while the number of foreign workers gradually declined.
United States Smelting Company Takes Over
The district’s mines were acquired by the “United States Smelting, Refining and Mining Company.” The early 1900s saw a significant decline in the Cornish population in the region, eventually leading to the end of their migration.
Formation of the Real del Monte and Pachuca Company
The “Real del Monte and Pachuca Company” was established, continuing the legacy of mining in the region while the paste began to gain popularity among the local population.
Family Businesses Lead the Way
During this time, family-run businesses began popularizing the paste in nearby municipalities, especially in Pachuca de Soto. This period marked the transition from a local specialty to a more widespread culinary staple.
Proliferation of Paste Shops
Paste shops began to spread across central Mexico, including Mexico State, Mexico City, Querétaro, Puebla, and Tlaxcala. The emergence of fast-food-style chains helped establish paste as a popular snack beyond its place of origin.
Declared the Cradle of the Paste
The LXIII Legislature of the Congress of Hidalgo officially declared Mineral del Monte as the “Cradle of the Paste in Mexico.” The paste was recognized as a Gastronomic and Cultural Heritage of Hidalgo, cementing its place in Mexican culinary history.
Opening of Pastes Hiady
In 2024, Pastes Hiady continued the proud tradition of the paste by opening its first location in Florida, bringing the authentic flavors and cultural heritage of Mineral del Monte to a new audience. The shop maintains the time-honored recipes while also offering innovative new flavors, introducing the iconic paste to a wider public. This expansion represents a new chapter in the history of the paste, connecting generations of tradition with a modern touch, and sharing the culinary heritage of Hidalgo with the world.
1-448-213-4217
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Tallahassee, FL 32303
