Pan Yan Pickle

One of my more recent ceramic finds is this lid from a Pan Yan Pickle jar. Although I had never heard of this brand before, after researching it, it seems like it used to be a household favourite.

Mudlarking find: Pan Yan Pickle lid

Pan Yan Pickle was part of an era of food inspired by exotic spices and fruits, which were being shipped through the West India Docks in the East End. Even the name of the pickle was chosen to reflect its oriental tastes. Pan Yan Pickle was registered in 1903 and production continued until 2002.
Here is how the whole jar might have looked:

Complete Pan Yan jar with lid

Pan Yan Pickle has an interesting story, as in 2004 the only known recipe for the pickle was destroyed in a fire. The fire at the factory took over 150 fire fighters over 12 hours to extinguish, and with it, the recipe was lost. Premium Foods launched a public appeal for anyone with a Pan Yan pickle jar to come forward, so the ingredients list could be recovered.

   In 2008, after clearing out her late husbands workshop, Sheila Cracknell discovered a Pan Yan jar which he was using to keep nails in- and the label was still intact. The recipe for the pickle is rutabaga, sugar, carrots, vinegar, thickener (modified starch), gherkins, acertic acid, peppers, onions, spices, colour (caramel), flavourings.

So there you go.

Pan Yan Pickle advert, 1915

Pan Yan Pickle advert, 1934

Pan Yan Pickle advert, 1954

If you fancy trying some Pan Yan deliciousness, there is a recipe that you can make yourself here:

                         http://www.food.com/recipe/a-british-classic-pan-yan-pickle-246663