National Rhubarb Pie Day celebrates the beloved dessert that transforms the tart rhubarb stalks into a deliciously sweet pie. This culinary holiday honors both the versatility of rhubarb and the traditional art of pie-making.
Quick Facts
When is it: January 23rd annually
Tagged as: Food Holiday, Pie Celebration
What’s the hashtag: #NationalRhubarbPieDay
When was it founded: First online mentions traced to 2014
Who founded it: Origins unclear, but emerged from American pie-making traditions
History
Rhubarb’s journey from medicinal plant to pie filling is fascinating. Originally from Asia, it was primarily used for medicine in Europe until the 18th century. When sugar became more affordable, rhubarb transformed into a culinary ingredient. Benjamin Franklin introduced rhubarb to America by sending seeds from Scotland to Pennsylvania in 1772. The vegetable became so popular in pies that Americans nicknamed it the “pie plant.”
Timeline
- 14th Century: Rhubarb valued more than opium for medicinal purposes
- 1772: Benjamin Franklin sends rhubarb seeds to America
- 1837: Introduction of sweeter Victoria rhubarb variety
- 1947: New York court officially declares rhubarb a fruit
- 2014: First documented celebration of National Rhubarb Pie Day
Dates for Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January | 23 | Thursday |
| 2026 | January | 23 | Friday |
| 2027 | January | 23 | Saturday |
| 2028 | January | 23 | Sunday |
| 2029 | January | 23 | Tuesday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by baking and sharing rhubarb pies, hosting bake-offs, and exploring new rhubarb recipes. Many families make it a tradition to bake pies together on this day.
Fun Facts About Rhubarb
- The darker the red stalk, the sweeter the rhubarb
- Rhubarb grows up to four inches per day
- The word “rhubarb” comes from Latin “rhababarum” meaning “root of the barbarians”
- It belongs to the buckwheat family, not the celery family
- Rhubarb can be used to dye eggs and hair
Quiz
- What family does rhubarb belong to?
- In what year did rhubarb become legally a fruit?
- Who brought rhubarb to America?
(Answers: 1. Buckwheat 2. 1947 3. Benjamin Franklin)
FAQs
- Do you need to peel rhubarb for pie? Not unless stalks are very thick
- Can rhubarb pie be frozen? Yes, for up to 6-8 months
- How do you thicken rhubarb pie filling? Use cornstarch
- When is rhubarb in season? Mid-spring to mid-summer
Related Celebrations
- National Pie Day
- National Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie Day
- National Dessert Day
- National Baking Day
- National Food Holiday