The Heartfelt History of Pumpkin Pie

There are few foods as iconic to American culture as pumpkin and pumpkin pie. This orange-golden-crusted pie is more than just a staple of the Thanksgiving table. 

Pumpkin pie, which has been growing in the Americas for centuries now, symbolizes the gratitude and appreciation our ancestors once experienced each harvest season. Though we no longer harvest our own food, we still pause to remember the roots of this important holiday and the sense of family, community, and gratitude each November. 

With a pumpkin pie on the table, families around the country sit down that fateful last Thursday in November each year to reflect on their lives, their victories both small and large, and everything they are thankful for. Some families write it down, others talk about it over turkey, and others merely reflect on themselves. 

No matter how you celebrate Thanksgiving, we can all agree that pumpkin pie is a quintessential part of the November holiday. That’s why, this fall, we’re exploring the history of the iconic pumpkin pie – and the many ways we at Quebrada celebrate pumpkin each turn of seasons. 

A Brief History of Pumpkin Pie

…But see, in our open clearings, how golden the melons lie;
Enrich them with sweets and spices, and give us the pumpkin-pie! 

From “The First Thanksgiving Day, A.D. 1622,”
a ballad by Margaret J. Preston, 1887

For as long as many of us can remember, Pumpkin Pie has graced the table at each and every Thanksgiving. The ubiquitous orange-crusted custard has strained, spiced, and twice-cooked squash. 

But did you know that very few foods have deeper American roots than pumpkins? These gourds were first cultivated in Central America around 5,500 BC. They were one of the earliest foods European explorers brought back from the New World. 

Americans grew to call these vegetables pumpkins. They quickly became part of England’s pie-making culture. In 1654, Massachusetts ship captain Edward Johnson wrote that as New England prospered, people prepared “apples, pears, and quince tarts instead of their former Pumpkin Pies.”

By the early 18th century, pumpkin pie earned its spot at the Thanksgiving table as the New England holiday grew in popularity. Thanksgiving as a holiday gave thanks for a bountiful autumn harvest with an annual feast. It became an important holiday in colonial New England – and pumpkin pie was a staple. It became such a staple that in 1705, Connecticut had a temporary shortage of molasses which forced one town to postpone its Thanksgiving celebrations until they could obtain the pie ingredient. 

But it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that pumpkin pie gained political significance. The pie was a topic of conversation during the debate over slavery. In fact, many abolitionists were from New England, and they found their favorite dessert mentioned in novels, poems, and broadsides. 

Sarah Josepha Hale, an abolitionist who worked for decades to have Thanksgiving proclaimed a national holiday, wrote about pumpkin pie in her anti-slavery novel “Northwood.” She described the Thanksgiving table with desserts piled on top, though “the pumpkin pie occupied the most distinguished niche.”

Once the Civil War ended, Thanksgiving – and pumpkin pie, by association – grew in national popularity. Write-ups in women’s magazines bolstered the popularity. 

When canned pumpkin hit the scene in 1929, the product became its own special product. Gone were the days of roasting and straining one’s own pumpkin. Instead, women everywhere could open a can and use it to bake pumpkin goodies. 

Our Favorite Ways to Enjoy Pumpkin

We love pumpkin-flavored everything here at Quebrada! Here are some of our fall classics to spruce up any get-together. 

Pies

It’s hard to imagine an American Thanksgiving without the orange-crusted custard pie on the table. Pumpkin pie is one of our favorite ways to celebrate the beloved fall gourd. Our pumpkin pie crust is made by hand with whole wheat pastry flour, then hand-crimped at the edges. Our special recipe is full of pumpkin, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and sweetened with maple syrup for maximum fall flavor. It’s pretty darn delicious, if we do say so ourselves. 

Apple Walnut Coffee Cake

Okay, so you’re not one of those people who lives for pumpkin-flavored goodies at Thanksgiving. Never fear: our iconic apple walnut coffee cake is a seasonal favorite. It’s packed with plenty of fall flavors – and the cinnamon apples are divine! 

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Pumpkin pie is a classic Thanksgiving dessert…but what about pumpkin whoopie pies? These moist pumpkin cakes are sandwiched with a decadent cream cheese frosting. They’re perfect smaller snacks for those that want a taste of pumpkin, but not too much.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Who doesn’t love a little bit of cheesecake? You can have the classic cheesecake any time of year… But the pumpkin cheesecake? This delicacy is reserved for the fall season exclusively. It’s silky, it’s delicious, and it’s the perfect dessert for those that want a little bit of pumpkin…but not too much pumpkin. The wheat-free treat is topped with a dollop of buttercream, ginger, and cinnamon. YUM! Heads up: this cheesecake does contain oats. 

Pumpkin Bread & Muffins

Pumpkin bread and pumpkin muffins make the perfect breakfast or snack while you wait for that Thanksgiving turkey to finish up in the oven. Our fluffy pumpkin bread and muffins can be served with butter, jam, or just plain. 

Pumpkin Spiced Coffee

Let’s admit it…We’re all just waiting for the moment we can drink pumpkin-spiced coffee each fall. This delicious fall drink is a cornerstone of the season as the leaves turn colors. You can stop by Quebrada anytime to pick up a pumpkin-spiced coffee. We guarantee it’ll give you the boost you need to pick up the kids from school, run your errands, or cook your Thanksgiving meal. 

Go Big or Gourd Home

Is it even Thanksgiving without a little bit of pumpkin somewhere on the table? If you want to order one of our pumpkin-flavored goodies for your Thanksgiving table, remember: the order deadline is Nov. 16. But with or without an extravagant feast, remember what Thanksgiving is all about: being thankful, spending time with family, and expressing gratitude. We’re wishing everyone a wonderful holiday with friends, family, and loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!