Every year on June 9th we have the joyous occasion to celebrate National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day. It’s when strawberry and rhubarb pie devotees across the country unite to commemorate this extraordinary fusion of flavors. As summer approaches, nothing says celebration like a divine piece of sweet, tart and tangy pie shared with loved ones.
Whether you’re someone who has perfected their pie-crafting skills or simply a fan of this delightful dessert, Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day is a fantastic time to treat your taste buds and embrace the magic these two ingredients create together.
History of National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day
The annually held National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day honors this delicious pastry on the 9th of June each year, concentrated mostly within United States borders. Pies, in particular, strawberry rhubarb ones, hold significant value in American culinary society and history.
Traced back to the 19th century, the unique unity of strawberries and rhubarb in pies was conceived. Throughout the spring and summer months, rhubarb was an inexpensive and prevalent resource. As strawberries ripened and became abundant in June, chefs ingeniously combined the sweet fruit with the sour rhubarb to attain balance in the pie.
Initially, rhubarb was a component in medicine before its introduction into the diet and beverages of Europeans and North Americans. Pies made their debut with the help of early American settlers, who utilized the recipe inspiration from their European roots and modified it as per the ingredients found in America.
Recognition for Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day ramped up as food holidays gained popularity in the 21st century. It provides an opportunity for baking enthusiasts, pie admirers, and dessert lovers to applaud this fusion in the form of a pie. Celebrations consist of baking personal strawberry rhubarb pies, buying from local bakeries, or relishing a slice at neighborhood eateries.
National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day Timeline
Cultivation of Rhubarb in Asia
Rhubarb was initially cultivated for medicinal purposes in ancient China.
Introduction of Rhubarb in Europe
Rhubarb was first introduced into Europe from Asia in the 17th century, where it was grown for medical uses.
Rhubarb Introduced in North America
Rhubarb was introduced in North America in the early 19th century.
Cultivation of Strawberries in North America
Strawberries began to be cultivated widely in North America during the 19th century.
Creation of Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
The first documented recipe of Strawberry Rhubarb Pie was traced back to the 19th Century.
Popularity of Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
The pie gained widespread popularity in the United States and Canada during the 20th century.
Traditional Summer Pie
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie is considered a traditional early summer pie in many regions of North America.
Ideas to Celebrate National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day
Bake a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Follow a traditional Strawberry Rhubarb Pie recipe or make it a family activity where everyone lends a hand. Enjoy the sweet tangy flavors of the pie as you celebrate National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day.
Pie Eating Contest
Organize a fun pie eating contest among friends or family members. Not only it can be a fun activity but also a unique way to celebrate this special day.
Pie Donation
Celebrate National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day by baking or buying pies to donate them to food banks or shelters. It's a nice way to share the joy of the day.
Pie Tasting Party
Invite friends over for a pie tasting party. Everyone can bring a different flavored pie along with strawberry rhubarb to celebrate the day.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Picnic
Enjoy the outdoors by having a picnic and bring along your homemade or store bought strawberry rhubarb pie. Celebrate this day in the company of nature.
8 Interesting Facts About Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Peak Season Pairing
Strawberry and rhubarb are often paired together in pies because their peak harvest times overlap in late spring and early summer.
Rhubarb Nickname
Rhubarb is often referred to as 'pie plant' because it's commonly used as a filling for pies.
Rhubarb's Toxic Leaves
While the stalks of rhubarb are edible and used in pies, the leaves are toxic and should not be consumed.
Strawberries: The Perfect Balance
The sweetness of strawberries counteracts the tartness of rhubarb, making them a perfect pair for pies.
Historically A Lack of Sweetness
Historically, rhubarb dishes didn't have a sweet partner like strawberries. That's why the plant was commonly stewed with plenty of sugar to combat its tartness before the discovery of its pie-potential.
Pie or Crisp?
Strawberry rhubarb mixture can also be used to make a delicious crisp or crumble, in addition to a pie.
Vibrant Pie Filling
The combination of strawberries and rhubarb creates a beautiful and vibrant red filling, making the pie not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
The Missing Ingredient
While the pie is now popular, it wasn't possible until the 18th century because sugar, a critical ingredient in balancing rhubarb's sourness, was very expensive and not widely available.
National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day FAQs
Next National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 9th | Friday |
| 2024 | June 9th | Sunday |
| 2025 | June 9th | Monday |
| 2026 | June 9th | Tuesday |
| 2027 | June 9th | Wednesday |
| What is the pattern? | Every June 9th | |
National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day Word Search
- Strawberry
- Rhubarb
- Pie
- Dessert
- Baking
- Crust