Prepare to rejoice in the flavors of National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day on June 9th! Originating in New England during the 19th century, this delectable dessert swiftly gained popularity, earning its own dedicated holiday each year.

History of National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day

The combination of strawberries and rhubarb in baking dates back to the 19th century. Rhubarb, a vegetable with a tart taste, became widely cultivated in the United States and was often paired with sweet fruits like strawberries to create delicious pies and desserts.

Strawberries have long been popular in American cuisine, especially during the spring and summer seasons when they are at their peak. By combining these two ingredients, bakers created a pie that offers a perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess, making it a favorite summer treat. National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day was likely established to honor this unique and tasty dessert, encouraging people to bake or enjoy a slice of pie to celebrate.

Rhubarb and Strawberries: A Perfect Pair

• Rhubarb: Despite being a vegetable, rhubarb is often used in desserts due to its tart flavor. When cooked, rhubarb softens and develops a texture and taste that complements sweet ingredients like sugar and strawberries. Rhubarb stalks, typically red or green, are the edible part of the plant, while the leaves are toxic and should not be consumed.
• Strawberries: Strawberries add natural sweetness and vibrant color to the pie, balancing out the tartness of the rhubarb. These berries are high in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and are one of the most popular fruits in the world.

The combination of these two ingredients makes for a pie that is both refreshing and comforting. The bright red of the strawberries mixed with the reddish-pink hue of the rhubarb creates a visually appealing dessert as well.

How to Celebrate National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day

1. Bake a Pie: One of the best ways to celebrate National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day is by baking a pie yourself! Many recipes are available online, and the pie is relatively simple to make. The key ingredients include fresh or frozen strawberries, rhubarb stalks, sugar, flour (or a thickening agent like cornstarch), and a pie crust. Some recipes also include a crumble topping made from oats, brown sugar, and butter.

2. Visit a Local Bakery: If you’re not up for baking, visiting a local bakery is another excellent way to celebrate. Many bakeries offer strawberry rhubarb pie, especially during the summer months when strawberries are in season.

3. Host a Pie Party: Gather friends or family for a pie-themed party, where everyone can bring different kinds of pie, including strawberry rhubarb. It’s a fun way to explore different flavors and enjoy the sweetness of the day.

4. Experiment with Recipes: For a twist on the classic pie, you can try different variations, such as adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, using a lattice crust, or incorporating whipped cream or vanilla ice cream as a topping. You can also explore recipes for strawberry rhubarb crumble, crisp, or bars.

5. Learn About Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a versatile vegetable often misunderstood or overlooked in the kitchen. Take the opportunity to learn more about it, its uses in cooking, and its health benefits. Rhubarb is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, particularly vitamin K and calcium.

Fun Facts About Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

• Historical Popularity: While rhubarb was originally brought to America by European settlers, it wasn’t until the early 19th century that it became a popular ingredient in desserts, particularly pies.
• Vegetable in a Pie: Rhubarb is technically a vegetable, but in the United States, it is treated as a fruit when it comes to cooking and baking. Its tartness pairs well with fruits like strawberries, apples, and berries.
• Regional Favorite: Strawberry rhubarb pie is especially popular in the Midwest and Northeast United States, where rhubarb is more commonly grown. It’s often featured at summer fairs, picnics, and gatherings.
• Rhubarb's Toxicity: While the rhubarb stalks are safe to eat and commonly used in pies, the leaves of the rhubarb plant are toxic and should never be consumed, as they contain oxalic acid, which can be harmful if ingested.

Health Benefits of Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Ingredients

• Strawberries: Strawberries are low in calories and high in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health. They also provide dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health.
• Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a good source of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health and blood clotting. It’s also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion, and contains several vitamins and minerals.

While pie itself is typically a sweet indulgence, the use of fresh fruits like strawberries and rhubarb brings some nutritional value to the table.

Conclusion

National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day is a celebration of the delightful combination of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb in a pie that has become a beloved summer dessert. Whether you bake one at home, enjoy a slice from your favorite bakery, or simply appreciate the history and flavors behind the dish, June 9th is the perfect day to indulge in this seasonal treat.

Celebrating this day is a delicious way to embrace the flavors of early summer, enjoying the balance of tartness and sweetness that makes strawberry rhubarb pie so special.