National Key Lime Pie Day is a celebration dedicated to the iconic dessert known for its tangy, sweet flavor and iconic pale yellow color. This holiday is observed annually and gives dessert lovers a reason to indulge in this citrusy treat.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: September 26th
- Tagged as: Food & Drink, Snacks & Desserts
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalKeyLimePieDay
- When was it founded?: It was first celebrated in 2013.
- Who founded it?: The United States officially recognized National Key Lime Pie Day.
History of National Key Lime Pie Day
The origins of key lime pie can be traced back to the late 19th century in Key West, Florida. It was created out of necessity by sponge fishermen who used limes to prevent scurvy. The combination of lime juice with sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks resulted in a custard-like filling, which was initially set in the sun. Over time, the pie evolved and gained fame, leading to its official recognition as Florida’s state pie in 1965. National Key Lime Pie Day was established to celebrate this deliciously unique dessert.
Timeline
- 1800s: Key lime pie first made by sponge fishermen in Key West.
- 1893: Earliest known written recipe appears in ‘The Boston Cooking-School Magazine.’
- 1926: Hurricane destroys key lime groves; key limes become scarce.
- 1965: Key lime pie officially declared as Florida’s state pie.
- 2013: National Key Lime Pie Day is officially recognized.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month of Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 26 | Thursday |
| 2025 | September 26 | Friday |
| 2026 | September 26 | Saturday |
| 2027 | September 26 | Sunday |
| 2028 | September 26 | Tuesday |
How is National Key Lime Pie Day Observed?
On this day, people indulge in key lime pie, experiment with recipes, or visit establishments known for their key lime pie offerings. It’s also a time to learn about the pie’s history, share recipes, and perhaps even try to make one at home.
Fun Facts About Key Lime Pie
- The true Key lime pie does not contain food coloring; its filling should be pale yellow due to the egg yolks.
- Key lime pie was initially created as a preventative measure against scurvy by sponge fishermen in Key West.
- In 1965, there was an attempt to pass a “Key lime law” to ensure key lime pie was made with actual Key limes.
Quiz
- What is the essential ingredient in key lime pie filling?
- What color should key lime pie filling be?
- When was key lime pie officially declared Florida’s state pie?
Answers:
- Sweetened condensed milk.
- Pale yellow.
- In 1965.
FAQs
- Why is key lime pie yellow?
- The filling is yellow due to the egg yolks, not from lime juice.
- Can I use regular limes instead of key limes?
- While many do, purists argue that it must be made with key limes for authenticity.
- What’s the difference between key limes and regular limes?
- Key limes are smaller, more acidic, and have a thinner skin and a unique aroma.
Importance of National Key Lime Pie Day
This day celebrates not just a dessert but a slice of American culinary history, highlighting the ingenuity of early settlers in the Florida Keys and the unique flavors that can arise from necessity and limited ingredients.
Related Holidays
- National Dessert Day
- National Pie Day
- National Citrus Day