What’s better than a warm slice of pie? Having a whole day dedicated to it! Every January 23, pie lovers unite to celebrate the unofficial holiday that’s as sweet (or savory!) as the dessert itself.
This delicious day was cooked up in 1975 by Boulder, CO teacher and self-proclaimed pie enthusiast Charlie Papazian, who declared his birthday, January 23, as the ultimate pie party. Papazian’s love for pie ran so deep that he swapped out birthday cake for birthday pie. Candles on an apple pie? Why not?
As it turns out, Papazian wasn’t the only one obsessed with pie. By 1986, the American Pie Council (yes, that’s a real thing!) officially began sponsoring the day, dedicated to “preserving America’s pie heritage and promoting America’s love affair with pies.” And what a love affair it is – from pumpkin and pecan to Key Lime and cherry, pies are an iconic part of American culture.
Delicious cake with fresh plums and raspberries
But pie’s story goes way back. Recipes date as far back as ancient Rome, where fillings ranged from fruit and honey to meats and seafood. The Greeks also embraced early pie-making, while Medieval Europe made pies filled with hearty meats and vegetables – though back then, the crust was often just a container for the filling and not meant to be eaten.
It was English settlers who brought pies to America, where ingenuity turned them into the vast variety we know today. From pecan pies in the South to apple pies up North, settlers adapted their recipes based on what was regionally available. Pie became a true symbol of American creativity and resourcefulness.
Oh, and let’s not confuse this with National Pi Day on March 14, a celebration of the mathematical constant, 3.14159… though many math lovers often find a way to factor pies into the equation.
So, whether you prefer it sweet or savory, traditional or creative, there’s no better day to grab a fork and dig into your favorite slice.
Happy National Pie Day!
