National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day is a relatively new holiday that was created in 2020 as part of the American Pie Council’s Pie Day Celebration. The American Pie Council is a nonprofit organization that promotes the enjoyment of pies, and is dedicated to educating the public about pie, recognizing outstanding achievements in the pie industry, and supporting the charitable activities of pie-related organizations.

In 2020, the American Pie Council declared June 9th to be National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day. This day is celebrated by baking and enjoying pies made with the combination of fresh strawberries and tart-tasting rhubarb. It is also a day to recognize the efforts of pie makers and to appreciate the deliciousness of this classic combination.

The strawberry is a member of the rose family and is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The fruit is believed to have been cultivated by the Ancient Romans, who spread the plant throughout Europe. During the 18th century, strawberries were introduced to the United States, and the first commercial cultivars were developed in the 19th century.

Rhubarb is a perennial plant that is native to China and has been cultivated there for centuries. It was first introduced to the United States in the early 19th century. In the United States, rhubarb is commonly used in pies, tarts, jams, and other desserts.

Rhubarb season typically begins in April and lasts through June. It is important to note that the leaves of the rhubarb plant are not edible, as they contain high levels of oxalic acid. The stalks are the only edible part of the plant and should be cooked before consumption.

The combination of strawberries and rhubarb has been enjoyed for centuries. The first known recipes for strawberry rhubarb pies appeared in the United States in the early 19th century. The earliest known recipe for strawberry rhubarb pie appeared in the 1804 edition of American Cookery, by Amelia Simmons. The recipe calls for a single crust pastry, filled with a mixture of finely chopped rhubarb, sugar, and flour. The top of the pie is then covered with a layer of fresh sliced strawberries. The recipe also suggests adding sweet cream, butter, and nutmeg, if desired.

The pie is then baked until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The finished pie is said to be a delicious combination of tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries. The recipe detail is as follows:

Ingredients:

•  2 cups of finely chopped rhubarb
•  1 cup of white sugar
•  1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
•  1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional)
•  1/4 cup of butter (optional)
•  1 cup of fresh sliced strawberries
•  1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
•  1/2 cup of heavy cream (optional)

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the rhubarb, sugar, flour, nutmeg, butter, and cream.
3. Place the mixture into the pie crust.
4. Arrange the fresh sliced strawberries over the top of the mixture.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. Allow the pie to cool before serving.

 

The popularity of the strawberry rhubarb combination continued to grow throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. In the 1930s, the combination became popular as a canned pie filling. Since then, the combination has become a beloved classic, often enjoyed in the form of pie.

Today, strawberry rhubarb pies are a favorite among pie makers and bakers and are enjoyed all across the United States.

The exact amount of strawberry rhubarb pie consumed in the United States and the world is difficult to estimate, as it is not tracked by any government or industry organizations. However, the popularity of strawberry rhubarb pies has been growing steadily over the past few decades.

In the United States, strawberry rhubarb pies are especially popular in the Midwest and Northeastern states. According to a survey conducted by the American Pie Council, strawberry rhubarb pies rank as the fourth most popular pie in the United States, behind apple, pumpkin, and cherry.

In the United Kingdom, strawberry rhubarb pies are a popular dessert, particularly in the summer months. The combination of tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries is a classic British flavor combination and is often enjoyed in the form of a traditional “pudding” such as rhubarb crumble.

Overall, it is safe to say that strawberry rhubarb pies are enjoyed by many people around the world and are becoming increasingly popular.

 

Fun Facts About Rhubarb

1. Rhubarb is technically a vegetable, but it is usually prepared and eaten as a fruit.
2. Rhubarb is a member of the buckwheat family.
3. The leaves of rhubarb plants are not edible, as they contain high levels of oxalic acid.
4. Rhubarb is a popular ingredient in traditional British “puddings” such as rhubarb crumble.

 

Fun Facts About Strawberries

1. Strawberries are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
2. Strawberry season typically begins in April and lasts through July.
3. Strawberries are enjoyed in many forms, including fresh, frozen, canned, and in pies.
4. Strawberries are a rich source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and antioxidants.

 

The American Pie Council also encourages people to share their favorite recipes and stories about their favorite strawberry rhubarb pies on social media, using the hashtag #StrawberryRhubarbPieDay. We encourage you to share your thoughts on this delicious treat as well.