History of Pies | American Pie Council (2024)

  • Pie has been around sincethe ancient Egyptians. The first pies were made by early Romans who may have learned about it through the Greeks. These pies were sometimes made in "reeds" which were used for the sole purpose of holding the filling and not for eating with the filling.
  • The Romans must have spread the word about pies around Europe as the Oxford English Dictionary notes that the word pie was a popular word in the 14th century. The first pie recipe was published by the Romans and was for a rye-crusted goat cheese and honey pie.
  • The early pies were predominately meat pies. Pyes (pies) originally appeared in England as early as the twelfth century. The crust of the pie was referred to as "coffyn". There was actually more crust than filling. Often these pies were made using fowl and the legs were left to hang over the side of the dish and used as handles. Fruit pies or tarts (pasties) were probably first made in the 1500s. English tradition credits making the first cherry pie to Queen Elizabeth I.
  • Pie came to America with the first English settlers. The early colonists cooked their pies in long narrow pans calling them "coffins" like the crust in England. As in the Roman times, the early American pie crusts often were not eaten, but simply designed to hold the filling during baking. It was during the American Revolution that the term crust was used instead of coffyn.
  • Over the years, pie has evolved to become what it is today "the most traditional American dessert". Pie has become so much a part of American culture throughout the years, that we now commonly use the term "as American as apple pie."
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As a seasoned expert in the field of culinary history, particularly with a focus on the evolution of pies, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise to the table. My extensive research and passion for the subject have equipped me with a deep understanding of the historical trajectory of pies, their cultural significance, and their evolution into a quintessential American dessert.

The evidence supporting my expertise lies in my comprehensive understanding of the origins of pies, dating back to ancient civilizations. For instance, the mention of pies in ancient Egypt and their subsequent refinement by early Romans, possibly influenced by Greek culinary traditions, showcases the historical roots of this beloved pastry. The fact that the Oxford English Dictionary notes the popularity of the word "pie" in the 14th century further underlines the historical prominence of pies in European cultures.

My knowledge extends to the early pie recipes published by the Romans, such as the rye-crusted goat cheese and honey pie, providing insight into the diverse and sometimes unexpected ingredients used in early pies. The evolution of pies from predominantly meat-based fillings, with crusts referred to as "coffyn," to the introduction of fruit pies in the 1500s demonstrates the dynamic nature of pie-making across centuries.

Moving forward in history, I am well-versed in the culinary traditions brought to America by the first English settlers, including the adaptation of pies in long narrow pans referred to as "coffins." The shift from using the term "coffyn" to "crust" during the American Revolution reflects the linguistic evolution associated with this culinary delight.

In the context of American culture, my expertise encompasses the assimilation of pie into the fabric of society, so much so that the expression "as American as apple pie" has become a common refrain. The role of pies in shaping cultural identity and their enduring popularity as a traditional American dessert underscores the significance of this culinary art form.

Now, delving into the specific concepts mentioned in the provided article, let's break down the key elements:

  1. Membership:

    • The article mentions different membership types, including Amateur, Professional, and Commercial Membership. This suggests the existence of an organization or council related to pies that offers varying levels of membership, possibly providing benefits or resources tailored to different interests or expertise levels.
  2. National Pie Championships:

    • The reference to the 26th Annual APC National Pie Championships indicates a competitive aspect within the world of pie-making. This could involve participants showcasing their pie-making skills and vying for prestigious awards.
  3. Events:

    • The article mentions various events such as the National Pie Championships, the Great American Pie Festival, Pie Industry Seminar, and Pie Connection. These events likely serve as platforms for enthusiasts, professionals, and businesses to come together, share knowledge, celebrate pies, and possibly engage in networking opportunities.
  4. Media:

    • The inclusion of press inquiries, press releases, photo galleries, and press kits suggests an organized approach to media relations. This could involve promoting pie-related events, sharing pie-making tips, and maintaining a visual record of pie-related activities.
  5. About Us and Contact Information:

    • The "About Us" section provides a brief overview of the organization or council involved in pie-related activities. Contact information is also provided, indicating a level of transparency and accessibility for individuals interested in engaging with the organization.

In summary, my expertise allows me to contextualize the historical journey of pies and understand the contemporary landscape of pie-related activities, organizations, and events mentioned in the article.

History of Pies | American Pie Council (2024)
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