National Rhubarb Pie Day

Housewives use rhubarb so often as a pastry filling that it has come to be called the pie plant. National Rhubarb Pie Day is designed to give people one more reason to bake and enjoy a fragrant and incredibly delicious pie. For those who have never tried or cooked such pastries, it’s a great reason to do so.

History

Archaeological finds suggest that rhubarb was used as food in Mongolia, China, and Tibet even before our era. In Europe, until the 18th century, the plant was used only for medicinal purposes.

Rhubarb seeds came to America thanks to Benjamin Franklin. He sent them from Scotland to his friend in Pennsylvania in 1772. Botanist John Bartram grew the first plant, but it was not in great demand. After 65 years, a new, sweeter variety called “Victoria” was bred in the USA. From that moment on, the popularity of rhubarb increased, as pastries became not only fragrant but also less tart.

The name of the person who came up with the rhubarb filling remains unknown, but that doesn’t stop people from thanking them for the brilliant idea. It took only a few decades for rhubarb pie to become not only a favorite but also a national dish in the United States.

Interesting Facts

• Until the middle of the 20th century, there were disputes about whether to classify rhubarb as a vegetable or a fruit. In 1947, a New York court officially classified the plant as a fruit, based on the opinion of the majority of residents. This fact pleased importers, as the tax on the import of vegetables was much higher.
• In England, rhubarb has been cultivated since the beginning of the 17th century.
• The stems of the plant contain a huge amount of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. In addition to the significant benefits for the body, rhubarb is also low in calories.

How to Celebrate

The best way to celebrate is by making a traditional rhubarb pie or experimenting with a new recipe in the kitchen.

In honor of National Rhubarb Pie Day, you can plant a few seeds of the plant in your garden if it is not already growing there.

Friends and family will appreciate a small gift in the form of a book with recipes for desserts and pastries with rhubarb.

When is National Rhubarb Pie Day in 2025?

National Rhubarb Pie Day is observed on January 23 each year.

Observations