FAQ

What size (in inches) are your pies?

Savoury:
Individual - 4"
Medium - 5"
Large - 8"

Fruit:
Individual - 4"
Large - 7 3/4"

What are the recommended servings for your pies?
Our 5 inch Savoury pies serve 2 to 3 people and our 8 inch Savoury pies and our 7¾ inch 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. 

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 and to that effect our Mediterranean Vegetable savoury pie is suitable for Vegetarians. We use Vegetarian mincemeat in our mince pies. All these products have received Vegetarian Society approved status.

I am not sure about preparation instructions?
Clear and concise preparation instructions are printed on the right hand side of the box of all our savoury and fruit pies.
 
I have discarded the box with preparation instructions. Could you please remind me of these instructions?
 
- In a fan-assisted Oven

- 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.

I have purchased your pies fresh. Can they now be frozen?
Yes - our pies may be frozen for up to twelve months within the period of the fresh use by date. Please store at below minus 18°C.

How do I defrost the pies?
Please allow them to defrost naturally and thoroughly in the fridge for at least twelve hours. 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, if the produce has been purchased frozen, it will have a "Best Before" label.

Do you recommend reheating the pie in a microwave?
To achieve the best results short crust pastry should be warmed in a conventional oven but if time is against you do follow the reheating instructions on the right hand side of the box.  There is a tendency for the pastry to go somewhat soggy if microwaved. To counteract this, place the pie segments underneath the grill to crisp the pastry.

How do you achieve the homemade taste to your pies?
Without giving away all our trade secrets Lime Tree Pantry continues to hand roll the pastry and to hand fill the pies. We only use the best of British meats and fruits. These are some of the contributing factors to the sumptuous taste of Lime Tree Pantry Savoury and Fruit Pies.