The True Origins of 19 Classic ‘American’ Foods

Despite the expression, “as American as apple pie,” the popular dessert isn’t native to the U.S., originating as fruit (often mixed with meat) stored in thick, sugarless, and largely inedible pastry containers, or “coffins,” in 14th century England. Colonists starting with the Puritans planted imported apple seeds in the Americas to supplement native stocks, and by 1759 apple pies were reportedly used throughout the whole year in Delaware as “the evening meal of the children.”

Johnny Appleseed helped to make apples feel American as he traveled the country to plant apple trees, even if they were largely for use making alcoholic cider, and pies became more commonly sweet with the introduction of butter and sugar in everyday baking. 

In short, pie is just another American immigrant, much like pie “a la mode”: The term describing pie served with a scoop of ice cream was popularized in the 1890s, and though its origins are obscure it is described universally as American in origin … despite being borrowed from the French.

Related: 19 Savory Pies From Around The World