National Blueberry Cheesecake Day

The story

The story of cheesecake begins in ancient Greece, around the 5th century B.C. These early cheesecakes, known as ”plakous,“ were quite different from the modern version but featured the core ingredients we associate with cheesecakes today: soft cheese, honey, and flour.

They were mixed and baked on earthenware pans, a precursor to the sophisticated dessert we enjoy today. The term ”cheesecake“ itself is a bit misleading, as it actually originated at a time when the word ”cake“ encompassed a broader range of food categories. As the centuries progressed, the cheesecake evolved.

In the 14th century, a pivotal moment in cheesecake history occurred with the publication of The Forme of Cury, the first English cookbook. This culinary treasure included ”cheesecake-like“ recipes such as Sambocade and Tart de Bry, each featuring unique ingredients that showcased the evolving nature of cheesecake. The exact moment when blueberries joined the cheesecake scene remains unknown, but legend has it that blueberry cheesecakes made their debut during the ancient Olympic Games in Greece.

This fascinating tidbit suggests that blueberries have adorned this beloved dessert for centuries, possibly making blueberry cheesecakes one of the earliest forms of this timeless treat. In the Middle Ages, the concept of blueberry cheesecake would have begun to solidify further, although precise recipes from that time were scarce. The essence of this dessert - the rich and creamy cheesecake harmonizing with the natural sweetness of blueberries - was likely established during this period.