St Alban's Cathedral is campaigning for the revival of the Alban bun, which since 1361 has been given out to the local poor on Good Friday.A denser, more cakey product than the supermarket hot cross bun, it claims to be the precursor to the modern version.It has two major differences: the cross is cut into the top of the bun, rather than piped on top, and its ingredients include "grains of paradise", an ancient term for cardamon.
The Very Rev Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans Cathedral, said:
"Recently we've lost touch with the significance of the bun, and its link to Holy Week and the Cross. These days it's possible to buy Hot Cross Buns throughout the year. Whilst any reminder of the importance of Easter is welcomed, we've come to the conclusion that the Alban Bun might be a way of reaffirming the significance of the bun as a symbol of Christ's death and resurrection."He said he'd like bakers to stop selling buns with a cross on top throughout the year. "I'm not sure why this is necessary," he said, adding they should only be sold during the run up to and during Holy Week.
The Cathedral has persuaded the local Sainsbury's to produce the Alban bun, using the original Medieval recipe, with wholemeal flour, milk, cardamon and yeast, on a commercial scale in the run up to Easter. Locals will be able buy the bun from the St Alban's store on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, with all proceeds going to Open Door, a local homeless charity.
Dr John said:
"We're hopeful that the original bun will catch on, become an established part of Easter and potentially be sold through other stores."from an article by Harry Wallop in the Telegraph today
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