No longer stocked in Morrisons today, turtle soup! No banquet complete without it, turtle soup was an exotic delicacy brought back from sailing expeditions. If they weren’t being gobbled up at sea, turtle quickly ended up on the tables of royalty – making it sought after, and expensive, produce by the masses.
“HIGH-STREET, GRANTHAM.
BUSHBY has the honor to announce, that he has received a fresh supply of MORRISON’s Patent Preserved Portable TURTLE, sent in jars to any part of the kingdom, and warranted to retain its qualities for years. The turtle in these jars consists of the prime parts of the fish, killed in the West Indies when in the highest health and condition, and will be found to excel, in richness and flavor, the produce of the half-starved, diseased animal, hitherto used in this country after a voyage of several months. To families residing in the country, as affording, at almost instant notice, a dish of the most exquisite and esteemed soup known.
Certificates of its excellence from personages of the highest distinction may be seen, but a single trial is requested in preference, as more certain of insuring general approbation. To be had dressed or undressed, at the rate of 5s. per pint for the former, and 7s.6d, per pint for the latter; which last affords three times its own quantity of the former. For the convenience of families when professed cooks are not kept, an approved recipe will be given.
J.B. also takes this opportunity to express his thanks to his friends for the favors conferred, and begs to recommend to their attention his superb stock of China and Glass, Toilet and Cabinet Ornaments, &c., elegantly designed and finely executed, which will be ready for inspection at the approaching fair, at considerably reduced prices.”
Stamford Mercury, 7 March 1823.