When we think of pie we automatically think apple, pumpkin and pecan pies – but it took centuries for us to experience the pie we know today. People didn’t even eat that flaky and light crust we love so much for years! Crazy, right? So let’s slice into the history of pie.
The start of pie dates all the way back to 6000 B.C. and were called galettes. These early-pies were made of oat, wheat, rye, barley and filled with honey, then baked over hot coals. Over the years, galettes transformed and developed to include nuts, honey and fruits. They were even considered a delectable treat for Pharaohs.
Greeks are credited to being the originator of the pie. In many Greek plays there are mentions of small pastries filled with fruit and sweetmeats. Then Romans were known to make puddings with meat – including seafood. However; the Romans liked their pies sweet and enjoyed them for dessert.
A plain pastry of flour, oil and water used to cover meats to keep in the juices and help preserve the food within the pie. This was especially important on long journeys because these pastries could be easily stored and preserved. However; this crust was not the crust we know today. It was very thick, hard and inedible to eat. Only very hungry beggars and the poor would eat the crust.
News about these delectable and long-lasting pies spread through Europe via the Roman Roads. As more and more learned about this new practical recipe they adapted it to represent their different customs and foods.
Usually filled with beef, lamb, duck or pigeon, these meat pies (also called “pyes” and “coffins”) were a regular menu item in medieval times. Then in the 1500s, fruit pies (or “pasties) were created and started gaining popularity. The first cherry pie is credited to Queen Elizabeth I and the first sweet apple pie was enjoyed in 1589.
Pie came to America with the Pilgrims; however, contrary to popular belief dessert pie was not eaten at the first Thanksgiving. Instead, traditional English meat pies featuring goose, duck and venison were passed around the table. Our beloved pumpkin pie wasn’t even created until 1675 and didn’t gain popularity until the early 1800s!
It took a while for sweet pies to catch on in general. In a 1796 cookbook there were only 3 sweet pie recipes. Then a cookbook from the late 1800s included 8 sweet pie recipes. Finally in 1947 there were 65 sweet pie recipes in cookbooks. It’s crazy to think that pies existed for thousands of years without sweet pies!
While we might be “as American as apple pie,” we can’t forget that meat pies are the foundation of our love for pie! Check out some of our favorite pie recipes submitted by home cooks:
Click Here for The BEST Chicken Pot Pie Ever! Recipe
Click Here for this Champion Cherry Pie Recipe
Check out the recipe for Mama’s Buttermilk Pie here
Click Here for a Classic Apple Pie Recipe
Click Here for Chocked Full of Pecan Pie Recipe
Click Here for Mom’s Special Pumpkin Pie recipe
Click Here for Easter Brunch Pie recipe
