FAQ
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What size (in inches) are your pies?
Savoury:
Small - 4 inch
Medium - 5 inch
Large - 8 inch
Fruit:
Small - 4 inch
Large - 7 1/4 inch
What are the recommended servings for your pies?
Our 5 inch (medium) savoury pies serve 3 to 4 people, our 8 inch (large) savoury pies serve 5 to 6, and our 7 1/4 inch (large) fruit pies serve 4 to 5 people.
How do I store the pies?
The savoury pies should be kept chilled in the refrigerator (between 2°C and 5°C), whereas the fruit pies may be stored at ambient room temperature in a dry place and away from direct sunlight. If your pies have been ordered through our home delivery service, then these products must be kept frozen until required. Follow the defrost instructions on the box prior to use.
Which of your pies are suitable for Vegetarians?
As we only use vegetable fats in our pastry, all our fruit pies are suitable for vegetarians. We use vegetarian mincemeat in our mince pies too!
Do you have products suitable for Vegans?
Our Vegan range can be found here
What are the preparation instructions?
In a fan-assisted oven
- Medium savoury pies - 180°C or Gas Mark 4 for 25-30 mins
- Large fruit pies - 180°C or Gas Mark 4 for 12-17 mins
- Large savoury pies - 180°C or Gas Mark 4 for 40-45 mins
Non-fan-assisted ovens
Increase oven temperature to 190°C or Gas Mark 5
Can the pies be served cold straight from the fridge?
Yes they can. Our pies have been cooked beforehand; if serving warm you are effectively reheating the pie not cooking it. If heating, our savoury pies must be piping hot throughout before serving.
I have purchased your pies fresh. Can they now be frozen?
Yes. Our pies may be frozen for up to twelve months as long as they are within the period of the fresh use by date. Please store at below -18°C.
How do I defrost the pies?
Please allow them to defrost naturally and thoroughly in a refrigerator for approximately 8-24 hrs, or at least overnight. They may then be served cold or reheated by following the instructions on the box.
Please explain the difference between a "use by date" label and a "best before" label?
If you have purchased the produce fresh it will have a "use by date" label, whereas a product that has been purchased frozen will have a "Best Before" label.
Do you recommend reheating the pie in a microwave?
In a word - NO! Heating our pies in a microwave will result in a soft soggy pastry - which nobody likes!
To achieve the best results, short crust pastry should be warmed in a conventional oven. There is a tendency for the pastry to go somewhat soggy if microwaved.
To counteract this, you can place the pie segments underneath the grill to crisp the pastry, but please note that by doing this, you will NOT
crisp the base of the pie.
How do you achieve the homemade taste to your pies?
Without giving away all our trade secrets, we at Lime Tree Pantry prepare our pastry with the same care and attention that we have done for many years. We only use the best of British meats and fruits wherever available. These are some of the contributing factors to the sumptuous taste of Lime Tree Pantry savoury and fruit pies.