Pumpkins are native to the New World and their earliest relatives can be traced back 9,000 years to Mexico. Over time, various forms of the vegetable migrated to the northeast United States, adapting to a cooler climate. Related to squashes, cucumbers and cantaloupes, pumpkins and their seeds were both a food and medicinal ingredient of Native Americans, who called them 'isquotm squash.' Typically prepared by cutting into strips and drying or roasting on coals over an open fire, this autumn squash was an important staple of winter survival.
The first version of pumpkinpie originated when British colonists sliced off the top of the pumpkin, removed its seeds, and filled the hollow with milk, spices, and honey. Baked in hot ashes, the end result was a sort of pudding rather than a pie. When the pumpkin migrated across the Atlantic, it acquired its current name. The English term for pumpkin originated with the Greek word 'pepon,' or 'cooked by the sun.' The French version, 'pompon,' became the English 'pumpion,' a form found in Shakespeare's 'Merry Wives of Windsor.'
The 17th century French chef François Pierre La Varenne is credited with developing the first recipe for a “pompion” torte around 1650, complete with a pastry crust. English recipes including various dried fruits and nuts in the filling later followed La Varenne’s prototype. It was only a century and a half thereafter, in 1796, that a dessert similar to modern pumpkin pie was created in the United States.
Don't forget to order enough of The Bunnery's famously delicious pumpkin pies to get you through the Thanksgiving weekend! We only make them during the holiday season, so place your order no later than November 19th for Thanksgiving pickup at the restaurant.
FAQs
The first version of pumpkinpie originated when British colonists sliced off the top of the pumpkin, removed its seeds, and filled the hollow with milk, spices, and honey. Baked in hot ashes, the end result was a sort of pudding rather than a pie.
Was pumpkin pie abolitionist? ›
But it wasn't until the mid-19th century that pumpkin pie gained political significance. The pie was a topic of conversation during the debate over slavery. In fact, many abolitionists were from New England, and they found their favorite dessert mentioned in novels, poems, and broadsides.
What happened to cause the pumpkin pie to weep after it was baked? ›
Why Is My Pumpkin Pie Weeping? Another common problem that occurs when baking pumpkin pie is when you notice water on the top of the pie or leaking out from the filling. Why this happens: Either the pie was overbaked, or it was placed in the fridge before cooling completely.
What is a brief history of pumpkins? ›
Scientists believe that pumpkins originated in North America about 9000 years ago. The oldest pumpkin seeds have been found in Mexico and date back to somewhere between 7000-5550 B.C.. Pumpkins (along with other forms of squash) were a historically important food staple among Native Americans.
What are some interesting facts about pumpkin pie? ›
Did you know 50 million pumpkin pies are baked every year? The LARGEST PUMPKIN PIE on record was five feet around. It used 80 pounds of pumpkin and baked for six hours! And last but not least, according to the American Pie Council, 1 out of 5 Americans has eaten an ENTIRE pumpkin pie by themselves.
What does the pumpkin symbolize in slavery? ›
A Symbol of New World Perseverance
Even so, pumpkin was a decidedly low-class food. In fact, until the 19th century, pumpkin was eaten primarily as slave and hog feed. It was also used as a poor man's alternative to malt, molasses, and sugarcane.
What does pumpkin pie symbolize? ›
Pumpkin pie, an international symbol of harvest time, is a favorite dessert, especially in the United States and Canada, but also in Northern Italy, between Halloween and Christmas.
Why did my pumpkin pie bubble up in the middle? ›
Any oven setting over 350 degrees F is likely overdoing it for a pumpkin pie. Baking in a too-hot oven makes the custard puff up like a soufflé and then fall when it cools.
How do you keep the bottom of a pumpkin pie from getting soggy? ›
How to Prevent a Soggy Bottom Pie Crust
- Blind Bake the Crust.
- Choose the Right Rack in the Oven.
- Brush the Bottom with Corn Syrup or Egg White.
- Put the Pie on a Hot Cookie Sheet.
- Make a Thicker Crust.
- Add a Layer.
- Consider a Metal Pie Pan.
Those cracks you see in your pie are the result of overcooked eggs, eggs that have tightened up so much, in an uneven way, that they've created fissures in the filling. Usually you'll notice cracks around the edge of the pie first, which makes sense; the edges cook more quickly than the interior.
The first version of pumpkinpie originated when British colonists sliced off the top of the pumpkin, removed its seeds, and filled the hollow with milk, spices, and honey. Baked in hot ashes, the end result was a sort of pudding rather than a pie.
What did Native Americans call pumpkins? ›
By the time it got up to Massaschusetts the Native American's were calling it 'askutasquash,' meaning “eaten raw or uncooked.” Interesting tidbit, sweet winter squash — or pumpkin! — varieties sliced thin are really quite tasty.
Why are pumpkins called pumpkins? ›
These plants are native to Central America and Mexico, but now grow on six continents—all but Antarctica. Indigenous North Americans have grown pumpkins for thousands of years—even before the cultivation of beans and corn. The name pumpkin originated from the Greek word Pepõn, which means large melon.
Why do Americans eat pumpkin pie? ›
It was a way to celebrate the successful harvest. It's said that pumpkin was served at this celebratory dinner, but no one knows if it was a pie-like dessert or a pumpkin dish, but pumpkins were definitely involved! So, pumpkin has been the staple ever since – and we're not complaining!
Why is pumpkin pie not made with pumpkin? ›
The fact that squash is a suitable (if not preferred) ingredient in pumpkin pie shouldn't come as a complete surprise. After all, squash is earthy like a pumpkin, but also less stringy, sweeter, and more vibrant in color. Why call it pumpkin? Pumpkin pie, as we know it today, is a fairly recent invention.
Why is pumpkin pie pie and not a tart? ›
PiesTarts – If you've ever thought a tart was pie, you're forgiven because they're incredibly similar. The main difference is that tarts only have a bottom crust, and the crust is much thicker than a pie crust.
Why do we eat pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving? ›
The very first Thanksgiving was held in New England between the Wampanoag Tribe and Plymouth Colonists. It was a way to celebrate the successful harvest. It's said that pumpkin was served at this celebratory dinner, but no one knows if it was a pie-like dessert or a pumpkin dish, but pumpkins were definitely involved!
What is the meaning of pumpkin pie? ›
Definitions of pumpkin pie. noun. pie made of mashed pumpkin and milk and eggs and sugar. type of: pie. dish baked in pastry-lined pan often with a pastry top.
What did Native Americans use pumpkin for? ›
The Native Americans added pumpkin pieces to their stews and fed chunks of raw pumpkins to their horses. Native Americans used pumpkin seeds as food and medicine. Today, pumpkin is canned to be used as pumpkin pie filling and for baking. Some pumpkins are used to feed livestock.
What is the history of the sugar pie pumpkin? ›
Sugar pumpkins are believed to be an heirloom variety that was used in the original pumpkin pie recipes by early American colonists.
Pumpkins are native to the New World and their earliest relatives can be traced back 9,000 years to Mexico. Over time, various forms of the vegetable migrated to the northeast United States, adapting to a cooler climate. Related to squashes, cucumbers and cantaloupes, pumpkins and their seeds were both a food and medicinal ingredient of Native Americans, who called them 'isquotm squash.' Typically prepared by cutting into strips and drying or roasting on coals over an open fire, this autumn squash was an important staple of winter survival. 
The first version of pumpkinpie originated when British colonists sliced off the top of the pumpkin, removed its seeds, and filled the hollow with milk, spices, and honey. Baked in hot ashes, the end result was a sort of pudding rather than a pie. When the pumpkin migrated across the Atlantic, it acquired its current name. The English term for pumpkin originated with the Greek word 'pepon,' or 'cooked by the sun.' The French version, 'pompon,' became the English 'pumpion,' a form found in Shakespeare's 'Merry Wives of Windsor.'