Kendal Mint Cake is a glucose-based confectionery flavoured with peppermint. It originates from Kendal in Cumbria, England. Kendal Mint Cake is said to be popular among climbers and mountaineers, especially those from the United Kingdom, as a source of energy.
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Kendal Mint Cake was first developed in 1869 by Joseph Wiper, who began producing it in his small Kendal factory. It is thought that the discovery was a mistake, and that Wiper was in fact attempting to make clear "glacier" mints.[1] Wiper founded Wiper's Mint Cake. Kendal Mint Cake is well known to mountaineers and explorers for its high energy content.[2] There are currently three companies that still produce Kendal mint cake in Kendal.
Romney's was founded in 1918 and used an old recipe to create Mint Cake. This Mint Cake was sold in Kendal and sent by train to other areas of the north west for sale. In 1987, Romney's bought Wiper's Mint Cake from Harry Wiper, who had inherited ownership of Wiper's in 1960 when his father died.[1]
Wilson's Mint Cake was founded in 1913, when James Wilson purchased a factory in the Stricklandgate area of the town. He had previously made and distributed types of toffee, but he decided to concentrate on mint cake. In 1966, the firm moved to its current location in the Cross Lane area of Kendal. Wilson's is currently licensed to sell a Beatrix Potter range of sweets.[3] The factory is currently run by the grandson of James, Andrew Wilson and Mint Cake is no longer the major product of the company as chocolate confectionary takes up 90% of orders.[4]
Quiggin's Mint Cake is the oldest surviving mint cake company. The Quiggin family had been making confectionery since 1840 in the Isle of Man and when one of the four sons moved to Kendal in 1880, the mint cake company was formed.[5]
In the BBC TV programme the Great British Menu Series Five, Lisa Allen visited Quiggin's factory and used Quiggin's Kendal Mint Cakes in her Strawberries with Meringue & Kendal Mint Cake Water Ice dessert.
Kendal Mint Cake is made from sugar, glucose, water and peppermint oil.[6] Although the exact recipe and way of manufacturing Mint Cake is kept secret,[5] it is known that it is created in the following way:[2]
There are numerous types of Mint Cake that are now available. Mint Cake made with white sugar, Mint Cake made with brown sugar, and Mint Cake enrobed in chocolate are the three most popular varieties.[7]
Kendal Mint Cake has been used on many expeditions around the world as a source of energy;[2]