A recent nationwide survey by iReach Insights for Pancake Tuesday
Results 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:
o 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.
o 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:
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
