British Pie Culture in the United States

Nothing is more American than apple pie, although we have to wonder if this is actually true. The sweet verses savory pie debate continues and why one side of the Atlantic opts for dessert over dinner is not always clear. Britain and the United States differed on many things over the centuries and, even with pie, they are not quite on the same page.

British pie culture began over a millennium ago and can trace the roots of savory pies back as far as ancient Egypt. Even still, the most direct correlation between another culture and British pie tradition hails from the Nordic lands. Of course, most foods are invented for survival purposes, so keeping in mind “necessity is the mother of invention,” the savory pie is no different. Butter and lard were the most prominent fats in northern Europe and when combined with grain they created a pliable dough perfect for cooking with a meat filling. It is clear a meal like this could sustain people in harsh climates. The idea that pies in England were only ever savory is also a misconception — mince meat pies and even apple pies were around as early as the 13th century and Queen Elizabeth I was said to have eaten the first cherry pie. There are many interesting pie facts, including the fact Shakespeare killed off two characters with the most unusual use of pie — they were baked alive.

Even if you don’t fancy the standby flavors of beef and kidney or pork pie, you can surely take pleasure in a British mince pie (without actual meat these days). There are plenty of places to try this delicacy in the United States. Check out Pleasant House Bakery in Chicago or Pie Society in Savannah, Ga., for a pie fix.