Sea Lampreys: Great Lakes Catch Fit for an English Queen

The English city of Gloucester likes to present a gift to the British monarch on special occasions.

Next month’s Diamond Jubilee, the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s ascent to the throne, is such an occasion.

Ever since the Middle Ages, Gloucester’s gift has been a ceremonial pie made with slippery, eel like creatures called sea lampreys.

“I actually almost thought it was joke I said you gotta be kidding, you want lampreys for a pie that you’re going to present to the Queen and you think that’s a nice gesture?” said Marc Gaden who is with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission on Detroit.

Thing is, sea lampreys aren’t so easy to find in England’s Thames and Severn Rivers anymore. But they’re incredibly plentiful in the lake we’d like you to name.

This lake is shared by two North American countries, and has the largest freshwater island in the world.

Let’s get to the pie! The English city of Gloucester is preparing to bake a ceremonial pie for Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of Diamond Jubilee, or 60th anniversary of her reign. It’s a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. The recipe calls for sea lampreys which come from Lake Huron, the answer to the Geo Quiz.

Marc Gaden is in charge of getting two pounds of frozen sea lampreys to chefs in Gloucester, England.

Sorry we don’t have recipe for the Queen’s lamprey pie. But if you have a good one, share it in the comments below.