National Blueberry Pie Day (April 28)
One weird holiday on April 28 is National Blueberry Pie Day, a celebration of one of America’s most beloved desserts.
Blueberry pie has been a staple in American kitchens for generations, offering a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors.
Whether enjoyed with a scoop of ice cream or served fresh from the oven, this classic treat is a favorite for many.
Dive into the history, fun facts, and ways to celebrate one of the most delicious holidays in April!
When is the Holiday?
National Blueberry Pie Day is celebrated every year on April 28th.
Who Invented Blueberry Pie?
The first known blueberry pie recipe appeared in Maria Parloa’s 1872 cookbook, “The Appledore Cook Book.”
Parloa was a well-respected cooking teacher and author, and her book helped shape American culinary traditions.
Blueberries themselves, however, have been used in indigenous recipes for centuries, long before they became a staple in pies.
The History of the Holiday
Blueberries have been a part of North American diets for centuries, long before they were ever baked into a pie.
Native American tribes were the first to recognize the value of blueberries, not only as a food source but also for medicinal purposes. They dried blueberries to preserve them for winter and often mixed them into cornmeal dishes or stews.
Some tribes even believed blueberries were a gift from the Great Spirit because of their star-shaped blossom, which symbolized protection.
When European settlers arrived, they adopted blueberries into their own diets, quickly realizing their versatility.
Pies became a popular way to showcase seasonal fruit, and by the 18th and 19th centuries, blueberry pie had made its way into American cookbooks.
As blueberries became more commercially available, thanks to the cultivation of highbush blueberries in the early 20th century, blueberry pie gained even more popularity.
During the 1900s, blueberries were widely grown in states like Maine, Michigan, and New Jersey, further boosting the pie’s reputation.
By the time frozen foods became mainstream, blueberry pie became even more accessible, as frozen blueberries allowed for baking this delicious dessert year-round.
In 2011, Maine officially declared wild blueberry pie its state dessert, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between the fruit and American culinary traditions.
Top Facts About Blueberries
- Blueberries are one of the few fruits native to North America, making blueberry pie a truly American dessert.
- Early American settlers referred to blueberries as “star berries” because of the shape of their blossoms.
- During World War II, dried blueberries were included in rations because of their high nutritional value and long shelf life.
- Maine is the largest producer of wild blueberries in the U.S., producing over 90% of the nation’s wild blueberries.
- The world’s largest blueberry pie was baked in Canada in 2014, weighing over 9,500 pounds.
- July is National Blueberry Month, celebrating the peak of blueberry season.
- Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and have been linked to improved brain function and heart health.
Activities to Celebrate
- Bake a classic blueberry pie from scratch, using fresh or frozen blueberries.
- Visit a local blueberry farm to pick your own fresh blueberries for baking.
- Experiment with different pie variations, such as blueberry crumble pie or mini blueberry hand pies.
- Host a pie-tasting party with friends and family, featuring different styles of blueberry desserts.
- Support a local bakery by purchasing a homemade blueberry pie and sharing it with loved ones.
- Try your hand at making a blueberry pie milkshake by blending pie slices with vanilla ice cream.
- Share your blueberry pie creations on social media using #NationalBlueberryPieDay.
- Learn about the health benefits of blueberries and incorporate them into other meals.
- Read up on the history of blueberry farming and how blueberries became a commercial crop.
- Make a blueberry-themed craft with kids, such as painting a blueberry pie or making a blueberry-scented candle.
Best Blueberry Pie Recipes
Classic Blueberry Pie – This traditional version features a buttery, flaky crust filled with sweet, juicy blueberries and a touch of lemon for added brightness.
Blueberry Lemon Crumble – A delicious twist on blueberry pie, this version has a crunchy oat and brown sugar topping, adding texture and extra sweetness.
Blueberry Pie Ice Cream – A fun dessert mashup, this homemade ice cream includes chunks of blueberry pie mixed into a rich vanilla base.
Glazed Blueberry Hand Pies – These individual-sized treats are perfect for on-the-go snacking, with a golden, flaky crust and a sweet glaze drizzled over the top.
Blueberry Pie Bars – A great way to enjoy blueberry pie without the hassle of rolling out a crust, these bars have a shortbread-like base and a luscious blueberry filling.
Blueberry Cheesecake Pie – A creamy, rich cheesecake layer is topped with a sweet blueberry compote, making this a decadent twist on the classic pie.
Mini Blueberry Galettes – These rustic, free-form pies are easy to make and look beautiful when served, featuring fresh blueberries wrapped in a simple, buttery crust.
Blueberry Puff Pastry Tart – This easy-to-make tart features layers of flaky puff pastry topped with fresh blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Blueberry Cobbler – Similar to pie but with a biscuit-like topping, this dish is warm, comforting, and pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Links to Resources
- Pie Crust Shields – Keep your crust from burning while baking.
- Rolling Pin with Thickness Rings – Ensures an even, professional-looking pie crust.
- Pie Bird Vent – Helps steam escape and prevents soggy crusts.
Related Holidays
If you love this holiday, there are other pie and dessert-related holidays to enjoy throughout the year.
National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day, is celebrated on August 20.
Pi Day, observed on March 14, combines math and desserts, encouraging people to indulge in all kinds of pies while celebrating the mathematical constant π (pi).
National Pie Day on January 23 is a broad celebration of all types of pies, whether sweet or savory, encouraging people to bake and enjoy their favorites.
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