Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Blueberry pie
View on Wikipedia| Type | Pie |
|---|---|
| Course | Dessert |
| Place of origin | United States, Canada |
| Serving temperature | Hot or cold |
| Main ingredients | Blueberries, pie crust, sugar, corn starch |
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 232 kJ (55 kcal) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
35 g | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10 g | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1.8 g | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other constituents | Quantity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Water | 52.5 g | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| †Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults,[1] except for potassium, which is estimated based on expert recommendation from the National Academies.[2] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Blueberry pie is a pie with a blueberry filling. Blueberry pie is readily made because it does not require pitting or peeling of fruit. It usually has a top and bottom crust. The top crust can be circular, but the pie can also have a crumble crust or no top crust. Blueberry pies are often eaten in the summertime when blueberries are in season in the Northern Hemisphere.[3]
History
[edit]Blueberries, both wild ('lowbush') and cultivated ('highbush'), are native to North America. Blueberry pie was first eaten by early American settlers[4] and later the food spread to the rest of the world. A similar earlier pie from England are prepared with bilberries which are known as European Blueberries . It remains a popular dessert in the United States and Canada. Blueberry pie made with wild Maine blueberries is the official state dessert of the U.S. state of Maine.[5] Berry pie, including with blueberries, was documented as early as 1872 in the Appledore Cook Book.[6]
Ingredients
[edit]The typical primary ingredients for blueberry pie are rinsed and stemmed blueberries. The berries can be frozen or fresh. Other ingredients include flour or instant tapioca, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, vanilla and butter. Ingredients may vary, depending upon the recipe. [7]
Nutrients
[edit]In a reference amount of 100 g (3.5 oz), commercially prepared blueberry pie supplies 55 calories, and is 10% fat, 35% carbohydrates, 2% protein, and 52% water (table). It contains no micronutrients in significant percentage of the Daily Value (table).
Gallery
[edit]-
Blueberry pie in a graham cracker crust
-
Miniature blueberry pies
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ United States Food and Drug Administration (2024). "Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels". FDA. Archived from the original on 2024-03-27. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
- ^ "TABLE 4-7 Comparison of Potassium Adequate Intakes Established in This Report to Potassium Adequate Intakes Established in the 2005 DRI Report". p. 120. In: Stallings, Virginia A.; Harrison, Meghan; Oria, Maria, eds. (2019). "Potassium: Dietary Reference Intakes for Adequacy". Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium. pp. 101–124. doi:10.17226/25353. ISBN 978-0-309-48834-1. PMID 30844154. NCBI NBK545428.
- ^ Stewart, Martha (12 March 2015). "Blueberry Pie Recipes". Retrieved 28 May 2015.
- ^ Vear, B. (2016). Ice Cream. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 141. ISBN 978-1-4729-3318-8. Retrieved April 5, 2019.
- ^ Associated Press (21 April 2011). "It's the law: Whoopie pie official 'treat'". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved 21 April 2011.
- ^ "Blueberry Pie". New England Recipes. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Nov. 2012.
- ^ "Recipes". Bauer, Elise. "Blueberry Pie Recipe | SimplyRecipes.com." Simply Recipes. N.p., 14 July 2009. Web. 12 Mar. 2015.
Blueberry pie
View on GrokipediaDescription
Definition and Characteristics
Blueberry pie is a classic fruit pie dessert featuring a filling primarily composed of blueberries, encased in a flaky pastry crust. This simple yet iconic treat highlights the natural tart-sweet flavor of the berries, which require no pitting or peeling, making it one of the more straightforward fruit pies to prepare.[2][7] Physically, blueberry pie is typically baked in a standard 9-inch diameter pan, with a golden-brown, buttery crust that encases a juicy, vibrant purple-blue filling. The crust may be solid on the bottom and topped with a lattice or full layer for added visual appeal, while the filling bubbles enticingly during baking, creating a glossy, moist interior. It is commonly served warm or at room temperature and sliced into wedges for easy portioning.[8][9][10] As a beloved dessert, blueberry pie is most often enjoyed during the summer months when fresh blueberries are abundant, though frozen or preserved berries allow year-round enjoyment. Optional accompaniments such as vanilla ice cream or whipped cream can enhance its creamy contrast to the tart fruit. Primarily associated with the United States and Canada, it utilizes both wild lowbush varieties for intense flavor and cultivated highbush blueberries for larger yields.[2][11]Types and Variations
Blueberry pies feature a range of crust styles that influence both their texture and visual appeal. A double-crust pie encases the filling completely between two layers of flaky pastry, providing a uniform buttery texture throughout while offering a protective seal that enhances the pie's structural integrity during baking. In contrast, a lattice-top crust weaves strips of dough over the filling, allowing steam to vent and preventing sogginess in the juicy blueberry mixture, while creating an open, decorative pattern that highlights the vibrant purple filling for an elegant presentation. Crumb-top variations, often made with streusel-like mixtures of flour, butter, and sugar, add a contrasting crunchy texture to the soft fruit interior and present a rustic, casual appearance that requires less precision in dough handling. Filling variations primarily revolve around the choice of blueberries and inclusions of complementary fruits. Wild blueberries, smaller and more intensely flavored than cultivated varieties due to their higher skin-to-pulp ratio and lower water content, yield a thicker, less watery filling with a tart profile that reduces the need for additional thickeners in pies. Cultivated blueberries, being larger and sweeter with more moisture, often require extra cornstarch or tapioca to achieve a cohesive set, resulting in a milder, juicier texture suited to sweeter palates. Hybrid fillings incorporate other fruits for added complexity; for instance, combining blueberries with tart rhubarb—known as bluebarb pie—balances the berries' sweetness with rhubarb's acidity, creating a vibrant, tangy filling that maintains the pie's fruit-forward identity. Similarly, adding grated apples introduces subtle firmness and natural pectin, enhancing the filling's structure without overpowering the blueberry essence. Crust alternatives adapt blueberry pie for dietary needs, altering its traditional flaky character. Gluten-free crusts, typically made with blends of rice, almond, or oat flours bound by eggs or xanthan gum, produce a tender but sometimes crumblier texture compared to wheat-based doughs, preserving the pie's handheld quality while accommodating sensitivities. Vegan versions replace butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarines, yielding a slightly denser flake that maintains flakiness through careful chilling, thus keeping the pie's indulgent mouthfeel intact. Graham cracker crusts, formed by pressing sweetened cracker crumbs with butter or oil into a pan, offer a crunchy, cookie-like base that shifts the pie toward a no-bake or bar-style dessert, emphasizing sweetness over flakiness and often pairing with chilled fillings for a cheesecake-inspired twist. Size and style differences expand blueberry pie's versatility beyond the standard round format. Mini tarts, baked in individual molds with partial or full crusts, provide bite-sized portions ideal for gatherings, concentrating the fruit-to-crust ratio for an intensified flavor experience. Slab pies, prepared in a rectangular sheet pan, yield a thin, shareable slab that serves crowds efficiently, with the expansive surface allowing for even baking and easy slicing into portable squares. Handheld versions, such as sealed hand pies or pop-tart-inspired pastries, encase the filling in folded dough for on-the-go consumption, delivering the pie's essence in a compact, mess-free form reminiscent of traditional fruit pockets.History
Origins in North America
Blueberries (Vaccinium species) are indigenous exclusively to North America, with over 35 species native to the continent and no wild counterparts in Europe, setting them apart from the fruit pies familiar to early European settlers.[12] Indigenous peoples in regions such as the Northeast and Great Lakes areas foraged wild lowbush varieties like Vaccinium angustifolium for millennia, incorporating them into their diets as a vital seasonal resource following the retreat of glaciers over 10,000 years ago.[13] Archaeological and oral traditions indicate that these communities managed blueberry landscapes through practices like controlled burns to enhance yields, though direct evidence of specific uses dates primarily to post-contact records.[14] Native American tribes, including the Algonquin, Wabanaki, and Anishinaabe, harvested blueberries fresh during summer or dried them for winter storage, often mixing the dried berries into pemmican—a portable mixture of meat, fat, and fruit—for sustenance on long journeys.[12] In the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, tribes prepared dishes like sautauthig, a simple pudding of cracked corn and blueberries boiled with water, which served as a nutritious staple.[14] These preparations highlighted the berry's versatility, providing essential vitamins and antioxidants while distinguishing blueberry-based foods from European traditions reliant on imported fruits.[15] By the early 1600s, Indigenous peoples shared blueberries and preparation knowledge with European settlers, as noted in French explorer Samuel de Champlain's 1615 account of Algonquins consuming the fruit, which he described as "manna in winter" for its sustaining qualities.[14] Tribes sold dried blueberries to English colonists, who adapted them into gruels and puddings, eventually incorporating wheat flour to evolve toward familiar pie forms while retaining cornmeal influences from Native methods.[14] This exchange laid the groundwork for blueberry pie's integration into colonial cuisine, bridging pre-colonial foraging practices with emerging settler adaptations.[12]Popularization and Cultural Milestones
The first published mention of blueberry pie appeared in the New England Farmer in 1829, with the first documented recipe appearing in 1850 in Mrs. Bliss's Practical Cook Book, marking the formal documentation of the dessert in American culinary literature.[4] This recipe utilized wild blueberries and reflected the growing interest in fruit-based desserts among 19th-century households. The commercialization of blueberry pie accelerated in the early 20th century following the development of cultivated highbush blueberries through USDA breeding programs initiated by botanist Frederick Coville around 1910.[16] Collaborating with horticulturist Elizabeth White in New Jersey, Coville's efforts produced the first commercial varieties by 1916, enabling larger-scale production and wider availability of blueberries for baking.[17] Similar USDA programs in Michigan further expanded cultivation, transforming blueberries from a wild-foraged ingredient into a staple for pies across the United States by the 1920s.[18] Blueberry pie gained prominence in 20th-century American culture through its inclusion in influential cookbooks, such as the inaugural 1931 edition of Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer, which featured fruit pie recipes that popularized home baking.[19] During World War II, amid sugar and butter rationing, adaptations emerged using canned wild blueberries for military rations and reduced sweeteners in home recipes to conserve resources.[20] In 2011, Maine designated blueberry pie—made with wild lowbush blueberries—as its official state dessert, underscoring its regional importance.[21] Annual celebrations, including the Maine Wild Blueberry Festival at the Union Fair established in 1960, continue to highlight the dessert through pie contests and community events.[22]Preparation
Key Ingredients
The primary filling for blueberry pie is blueberries, available in fresh, frozen, or canned forms to accommodate seasonal availability and convenience. Fresh blueberries provide optimal texture and flavor when ripe and firm, while frozen ones retain much of their quality if unsweetened and thawed properly; canned varieties, often packed in light syrup, can be drained and used but may require adjustment for added sweetness. The two main species used are highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum), a cultivated variety producing larger berries suitable for commercial baking due to their plump size and mild sweetness, and lowbush or wild blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium), native to northern regions and valued for their smaller size, higher skin-to-pulp ratio, and concentrated tart flavor that enhances pie fillings.[23][24] Thickening agents are essential to absorb excess juice from the berries during baking, preventing a watery consistency. Common options include cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or instant tapioca, with recommendations of 2 to 4 tablespoons per quart of blueberries to achieve a glossy, sliceable filling without gumminess; cornstarch offers clarity and neutrality, while flour provides subtle body but may dull the fruit's brightness if overused.[25][24] Sweeteners balance the berries' natural tartness, typically granulated white sugar at ¾ to 1 cup per quart of blueberries, though brown sugar can substitute for added molasses depth and moisture. Lemon juice, around 2 tablespoons per 6 cups of berries, introduces acidity to brighten flavors and stabilize the filling by interacting with the thickener. Spices such as cinnamon (½ teaspoon per 6 cups) or nutmeg (a pinch) are optionally incorporated in small amounts to complement the fruit without overpowering it.[24][26] The crust forms the pie's structural base, traditionally a shortcrust pastry made from all-purpose flour, cold butter or shortening, salt, and ice water to create flaky layers through minimal gluten development. Lard may replace or combine with butter for enhanced tenderness and flakiness, as its higher melting point allows better fat distribution during mixing.[27][28]Baking Process and Techniques
The baking process for blueberry pie begins with preparing the pie crust and filling separately to ensure even cooking and structural integrity. The bottom crust is rolled out to fit a 9-inch pie dish, typically 1/8-inch thick, and placed in the dish, which is then refrigerated to keep the dough cold and maintain flakiness.[24] For the filling, fresh or frozen blueberries are gently tossed with sugar, a thickener such as tapioca starch or cornstarch, lemon juice, and optional flavorings like cinnamon or salt; this mixture is allowed to sit for 15 to 30 minutes, allowing the berries to release juices and the thickener to activate without over-macerating the fruit.[29][30] To prevent a soggy bottom crust—a common issue with juicy fruit pies—some bakers opt for blind baking the bottom crust before adding the filling. This involves lining the crust with parchment paper and pie weights or dried beans, then baking at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly set, followed by removing the weights and baking an additional 5 to 10 minutes to partially cook the crust. Alternatively, techniques like brushing the bottom crust with an egg wash or sprinkling a thin layer of cornstarch can create a barrier against excess moisture during the full bake. The prepared filling is then spooned into the bottom crust, mounded slightly in the center for even distribution. Assembly involves topping the filling with a second rolled-out crust, either as a solid sheet with vents cut for steam escape, a lattice weave for aesthetics and ventilation, or decorative cutouts. Excess dough is trimmed to about 1/2-inch overhang, the edges are folded under and crimped to seal, and the top is brushed with egg wash or milk for a golden finish, sometimes sprinkled with coarse sugar. The assembled pie is chilled for 10 to 30 minutes to firm up the dough before baking. Essential equipment includes a rolling pin for even dough thickness, a pastry brush for washes, and a rimmed baking sheet placed in the oven to preheat, which helps crisp the bottom crust through direct heat transfer.[30][24] Baking typically starts at a high temperature of 425°F for 15 minutes to set the crust and initiate bubbling in the filling, then reduces to 350°F to 375°F for 40 to 50 minutes (or up to 75 to 90 minutes for deeper pies), until the crust is golden brown and the filling visibly bubbles thickly in the center, indicating proper thickening. For larger or deeper pies using 8 cups of berries, a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate (about 1.5 inches deep) is recommended to accommodate volume without overflow. Pie edges can be shielded with foil strips if they brown too quickly.[29][30][24] After baking, the pie must cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours—ideally 3 to 4 hours or overnight—to allow the filling to set fully, as cutting too soon results in a runny texture. Common pitfalls include over-thickening the filling, which can lead to a gluey consistency if too much starch is used, or under-baking, causing a watery slice; precise timing and internal temperature checks (around 213°F for bubbling) help avoid these. Scaling for different sizes involves adjusting baking time proportionally, adding 5 to 10 minutes per inch of diameter increase.[29][30]Nutrition
Nutritional Composition
A typical 100-gram serving of commercially prepared blueberry pie contains approximately 232 kilocalories, with a macronutrient profile consisting of 10.0 grams of total fat—largely from the crust's butter or shortening—34.9 grams of carbohydrates (including 15.9 grams of sugars from blueberries and added sweeteners), 1.8 grams of protein, 1.0 gram of dietary fiber, and 52.5 grams of water.[31]| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 232 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34.9 g |
| Sugars | 15.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g |
| Protein | 1.8 g |
| Water | 52.5 g |
