What is National Cherry Pie Day?

During National Cherry Pie Day, some pie enthusiasts will be enjoying their favorite pie on February 20. Whether they eat it for breakfast, lunch, or supper, or a slice at every meal is determined by how much they love cherry pie.

As we all know the history (albeit inaccurate) of President George Washington and the cherry tree, it seems only fitting that we celebrate the cherry pie so close to Presidents Day. Cherries were, however, one of his favorite foods.

According to the American Pie Council, the pie came from America with the first English settlers. Like the crust in England, early colonists cooked their pies in long narrow pans, calling them "coffyns" like the crust. The early American pie crusts were often not consumed, but rather held the filling during baking as in Roman times. Instead of "coffyn," the word crust was used during the American Revolution rather than "coffyn."

Cherry pie is often referred to as a "great American dish" in the United States. Cherry pie recipes are included in many different cookbooks.