National Apple Pie Day

"As American as apple pie" is a common saying, so I guess it's no wonder that May 13th has been named National Apple Pie Day. Yet, historically, the apple pie started much before America was discovered by Europeans. It at least goes back to England in the Middle Ages. We know this because Chaucer wrote down an apple pie recipe in 1381. A Dutch version of an apple pie was published in a 1514 cookbook, and France and Sweden also had their early takes on the desert.

In fact, the apple pie was brought to the American colonies by the English, Dutch, and Swedes in the 16 and 1700's. It wasn't available earlier, because colonists had to wait for European varieties of the apple tree to be transported, planted, and grow enough to fruit. The only apple native to America was the crabapple, which might be used for jelly but not for pies. Actually, colonists were more likely to use apples to make cider than pies at first. To them, a pie usually meant some kind of meat pie.

However, by the 18th century, the apple pie had become common as a year-round treat in most of the colonies (and then states). In the 19th and 20th centuries, the apple pie came to symbolize the American dream and prosperity. During World War II, "for Mom and apple pie" became a slogan to inspire the soldiers. Around 1950, a patriotic song became popular that had "We love our baseball and apple pie" as part of the lyrics. Advertisers jumped on the idea, and soon Chevrolet had a catchy jingle about "baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet."

No matter how you slice it, Americans have long declared apple pie their favorite. So, for National Apple Pie Day, perhaps you'll want to buy or bake one. The internet is full of great recipes if you don't already have your favorite. Bon appetit!

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