National Cherry Pie Day

The story

Pie dates back to 9500 B.C. in ancient Egypt, where early versions were filled with honey and dates but encased in inedible reeds. The idea spread to Greece and Rome, evolving into more sophisticated dishes—mostly savory meat pies.

By the 1500s, sweet pies emerged, and legend has it that cherry pie debuted during this time, possibly served to Queen Elizabeth I. These early pies had thick, sturdy crusts called "coffyns," used for storage rather than eating.

When English settlers arrived in America, they brought cherry trees and pie recipes. Over time, flaky, buttery crusts replaced the tough coffyns. By the American Revolution, the term "crust" had fully replaced "coffyn," marking the shift to the cherry pie we love today.

Made with tart cherries like Morello or Montmorency, cherry pie became an American staple. By the 20th century, it was a fixture at celebrations like Independence Day and, of course, National Cherry Pie Day on February 20.

Why February 20? Likely because of George Washington’s birthday (Feb. 22) and the myth of him chopping down a cherry tree. Since 2001, cherry pie lovers have had a dedicated day to celebrate.