National Key Lime Pie Day

Close-up of a slice of key lime pie, topped with whipped cream, against a backdrop of rustic kitchen decor.. — National key lime pie day illustration

Ah, National Key Lime Pie Day, a day that is tart and sweet all at the same time. Get ready to take a delightful journey through the history of this scrumptious dessert!

When is Key Lime Pie Day?

It's national key lime pie day on the 26th September.

The Origins of Key Lime Pie

Let's start from the beginning, shall we? Key lime pie is a beloved American dessert that has its roots in the Florida Keys. It's a refreshing and tangy treat made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust. The first known recipe for key lime pie dates back to the late 1800s when sweetened condensed milk became commercially available.

Legend has it that the pie was created by ship salvagers, known as sponge fishermen, who lived in the Florida Keys. They had limited access to fresh ingredients, but the key limes grown in the area were abundant and gave the pie its distinct flavor. How lucky for us that they stumbled upon this delightful combination!

The Rise of Key Lime Pie's Popularity

Key lime pie gained popularity among locals in the Florida Keys, but its fame reached new heights with the help of another Floridian icon - Ernest Hemingway. The legendary writer was a Key West resident and a fan of this delicious dessert. He is often credited with helping to popularize key lime pie by serving it to guests at his home.

In the 20th century, key lime pie spread beyond the borders of Florida and became a beloved dessert across the United States. It quickly became synonymous with tropical vacations and summer vibes.

Celebrating National Key Lime Pie Day

Now that you know the history, it's time to celebrate National Key Lime Pie Day! Indulge in a slice of this tangy goodness or try your hand at making your own. Whether you prefer it topped with meringue or whipped cream, traditional or with a twist, there's no wrong way to enjoy this delightful dessert.

Did You Know?

Did you know that traditional key lime pie is made with key limes, which are smaller and more acidic than regular limes? They give the pie its distinctive flavor and tartness. So next time someone asks you if limes are just lemons, you can confidently say, "Not when it comes to key lime pie!"

History behind the term 'Key Lime Pie'

1806

Discovery of Key limes

In 1806, Spanish explorers discovered the Florida Keys, where they found small, tart limes growing wild. These limes had a distinctive flavor and aroma, which would later become the foundation of the famous Key lime pie.

1855

Introduction of sweetened condensed milk

In 1855, Gail Borden Jr. developed a method to condense milk by removing the water content, thereby preserving it for a longer period. This invention revolutionized the dairy industry and would later play a crucial role in the creation of Key lime pie.

1893

First recorded recipe for Key lime pie

The earliest known written recipe for Key lime pie was discovered in a 1893 issue of 'The Boston Cooking-School Magazine of Culinary Science and Domestic Economics'. This recipe called for lime juice, eggs, and sweetened condensed milk, which are the key ingredients of the modern-day Key lime pie.

1926

Florida's first 'Key lime pie' reference

In 1926, the first published reference to 'Key lime pie' appeared in a cookbook by a woman named Mrs. E. R. Dyer. This marked the first time the dessert became associated with the Florida Keys, where the Key limes were abundant.

1965

Florida legislates Key lime pie

In 1965, the Florida State Legislature passed a statute declaring Key lime pie as the official state pie of Florida. This recognition further solidified the cultural significance of the iconic dessert.

2013

National Key Lime Pie Day

On September 26, 2013, the United States officially recognized 'National Key Lime Pie Day'. This day celebrates the delicious combination of tangy Key lime juice and sweet creamy filling, bringing national attention to this beloved dessert.

Did you know?

Did you know that traditional key lime pie is made with key limes, which are smaller and more acidic than regular limes? They give the pie its distinctive flavor and tartness.