Whale Sugar and Platinum Coin are Part of World's Most Expensive Mince Pie

A mix of traditional ingredients from recipes dating back to the 17th century has been used by a mince pie, which is believed to be the world's most expensive.

The culinary delight, estimated to be worth 3,000 pounds, is currently on show at a London shopping centre.

Other added ingredients include the highest-grade platinum leaf, holy water from Lourdes to bind the pastry and wash all the ingredients, vanilla beans and cinnamon from eastern spice markets.

Highly prized ambergris sugar derived from sperm whale secretions has also been used.

It is complete without a solid Platinum coin in keeping with the British tradition of placing a silver coin in a Christmas cake or pudding.

It took ten days for Andrew Stellitano, who runs food design company Astarism to make the exclusive mince pie.

The pastry top was designed on a computer and laser cut to give it an intricate finish, the Daily Mail reported.

The pie is on display for a month at the Marvellous Mince Pie Manufactory, at The Exchange shopping centre in Ilford, where visitors are invited to create their own versions.

A prize draw on December 19 will give shoppers the chance to take home the sweet treat.

Source: ANI