National Cherry Turnover Day celebrates a beloved pastry dessert consisting of flaky puff pastry filled with sweet or tart cherry filling, folded into a portable hand pie, and baked until golden brown.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: August 28th annually
- Tagged as: Food & Drink, Fruits & Vegetables, Snacks & Desserts
- What’s the hashtag?: Not specified in available data
- When was it founded?: Early 2000s
- Who founded it?: Founder information not available
History
Turnovers trace their origins to ancient times when they were known as “portable pies.” The first documented turnover appeared in 1440 when bakers, restricted from making cakes, turned to creating pies. The cherry turnover specifically originated in France, developed from savory meat pies into portable desserts for workers.
Timeline
- 72 BC: Lucius Licinius Lucullus brings cultivated cherries to Rome
- 1600s: English colonists introduce cherries to North America
- 1850s: Birth of the modern turnover pastry
- 1920s: Commercial production begins
- 1980s: Fast food chains add cherry turnovers to menus
- 1990s: Rise of homemade turnover recipes
Dates for Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August | 28 | Thursday |
| 2026 | August | 28 | Friday |
| 2027 | August | 28 | Saturday |
| 2028 | August | 28 | Monday |
| 2029 | August | 28 | Tuesday |
Observed
The celebration is observed annually on August 28th throughout the United States as an unofficial food holiday.
Fun Facts About Cherry Turnovers
- German monks allegedly invented turnovers to hide meat consumption during Lent
- Cherries are classified as stone fruits or drupes
- Over 1,000 different cherry varieties exist in the United States
- The pastries can be either baked or fried
- They’re often served with ice cream or whipped cream
Quiz
- What were turnovers originally called?
- Where did cherry turnovers originate?
- When did commercial production begin?
(Answers: 1. Portable pies 2. France 3. 1920s)
FAQs
- What’s the difference between a popover and a turnover?
A turnover involves folding filled pastry, while a popover is a hollow muffin similar to Yorkshire pudding. - Are cherry turnovers healthy?
While the pastry is indulgent, cherries provide antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Related Holidays
- National Red Wine Day
- National Dessert Day
- National Pastry Day
- National Cherry Pie Day
- National Fruit Day