why do mince pies contain fruit instead of mince meat?

Answer 1

we had this discussion in a class i had this week. i think its because they used to put mince in pies and eat them at christmas, but YEARS ago, they decided it wasnt that nice so they decided to put fruit in instead!!
im serious thats what we were told- hope this helps.

i just saw the top answer, and that could be true too!- im not sure you choose!

Answer 2

Mincemeat developed as a way of preserving meat without salting or smoking some 500 years ago in England, where mince pies are still considered an essential accompaniment to holiday dinners just like the traditional plum pudding. This pie is a remnant of a medieval tradition of spiced meat dishes, usually minced mutton, that have survived because of its association with Christmas. This pies have also been known as Christmas Pies. Mince pie as part of the Christmas table had long been an English custom.
Over the years, the pies grew smaller, the shape of the pie was gradually changed from oblong to round, and the meat content was gradually reduced until the pies were simply filled with a mixture of suet, spices and dried fruit, previously steeped in brandy. This filling was put into little pastry cases that were covered with pastry lids and then baked in an oven. Essentially, this is today’s English mince pie.

Answer 3

According to the food historians, mincemeat pie dates back to Medieval times. At that time, this recipe did, indeed, include meat. It also often contained dried fruits, sugar, and spices, as was the tratdition of the day. The distinction between mincemeat and mince was drawn in the mid-nineteenth century when meat began disappearing from the recipe, leaving the fruit, nut, sugar, spice, and suet product we know today. Late 19th century cookbooks contain several recipes for both mincemeat and mince, some containing meat, others not.

Answer 4

mince pies used to contain poor quality meat years ago, but over the years, it has been replaced with fruit, however some still contain suet

Answer 5

Probably because the word "mince" means to "cut or chop into very small pieces."

It's, as you point out, usually paired with the word meat but by definition it could also be used with fruit as it is with mince pie.

Answer 6

As a child i always thought it was mince meat and that's why for years i wouldn't even try them. then when my mum explained they were made from fruit i tried one and didn't like them anyway!

but i don't actually know the answer to your question, sorry :D

Answer 7

Mince is a process not a food .You can mince many many things

Answer 8

cos the fruit in them is minced into balls

Answer 9

It contains meat, fruit and sometimes cheese

Answer 10

They used to contain meat, but obviously it wasn't the nicest and when there were shortages of meat it was substituted