Renowned for its smooth, dense texture, Annascaul Black Pudding has been made here by hand since Ashe's shop was established in 1916 - and today the Annascaul Black Pudding Co. is an artisan food production business run by a descendant of the original owner, Thomas Ashe, and his wife Eileen.
At a dedicated production unit in Annascaul - the site of Ashes original butchers shop - they use local and Irish ingredients to provide a range of high quality products for their customers, who are increasingly interested in the provenance and history of their food. The provenance of the ingredients used is very important to the Ashes, not only from a quality and sustainability perspective but also in supporting other Irish businesses and the local community.
Today the product range includes white pudding, traditional thick cut smoked and streaky rashers made with dry cured Irish pork, also pork sausage rolls and a range of sausages that includes an especially popular variety made with pork and black pudding.
But Ashe's black puddings remain the core product; they are still made to the original recipe after over a century - and, unusually nowadays, that includes fresh blood. The Ashes are understandably protective of the reputation of their black pudding, which is made using only fresh natural ingredients - but it is the fact that it is made with fresh blood that gives it its distinctive flavour.
Annascaul Puddings are proudly showcased by many restaurants, so look out for them on menus in the area and, increasingly. in other parts of Ireland too.
