New archaeological evidence has revealed that the classic dessert pavlova was actually invented in Aotearoa.
There has been a long-standing debate about who really invented pavlova, with Kiwis claiming it was first made in New Zealand, while Australians argue it was them.
Originally, the debate centred around two pieces of evidence, one being a pavlova recipe found in the New Zealand Herald in 1911, and another recipe discovered in Australia in 1922, though the credibility of these claims couldn’t be proven.
However, the debate appears to have been settled after a baking tray with crystallised pavlova remnants, along with a recipe note dated April 22nd, was found in an old cottage. The note contains the exact pavlova recipe.
The cottage was initially slated for demolition, and this remarkable piece of history was discovered during the extraction of its belongings.
It’s uncertain what will happen to this artefact, but most believe it will be placed in an airtight exhibition case at Te Papa.
Photo Credit: The Flavour Bender
