National Lemon Meringue Pie Day is celebrated annually on August 15, so get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth. Lemons provide so much flavor to life with all of their culinary applications. You’ll never run out of ways to enjoy your lemons, from cake to ice cream and, of course, the all-time favorite: lemonade!
Lemon meringue pie is amongst the best lemon desserts. The golden shortbread pastry crust, savory lemon curd filling, and velvety meringue topping will have you floating on the clouds. So, for those who want to indulge their sweet tooth or those who haven’t tried it yet (what rock have you been hiding under?), celebrate this tasty dessert with other food lovers today.
History of National Lemon Meringue Pie Day
Lemon meringue pie is made using lemon juice and zest, egg yolks, and sometimes with sugar and starch (depending on the adopted recipe). Peak-shaped meringue is spread on top of the pie before it goes in the oven.
Pinpointing the creator of this lemon pie is difficult with several theories of its origins springing up. Lemon-based pies, puddings, and custards have been around since the Middle Ages, according to history. In the 1700s, the innovative addition of putting meringue on top of the pie was adopted. Modern-day lemon meringue pie gained popularity sometime in the 1800s.
The first mention of meringue-covered desserts dates back to France. Menon, a French cookbook author, published a book in 1739 that includes a recipe for Pommes meringuées, or meringue-covered apple butter or applesauce. Around 1869, a cookbook referenced lemon meringue pie for the first time. Lemon cream pies were the name given to the meringue-covered lemon custard pies of the time.
Similar recipes were revealed in the U.S in the 1800s, one such recipe was meringue-covered apple pie known as ‘apples meringuées’ or ‘apple a la turque.’ Elizabeth Goodfellow, the proprietor of a Philadelphia pastry business, is credited with inventing the lemon meringue pie. She was in charge of the first cooking school in the United States.
Others say that the lemon meringue pie is a Victorian-era English invention. Lemon Chester Pudding is how it’s known in certain circles. It is often recognized as one of the delicacies that introduced the world to British sweets.
National Lemon Meringue Pie Day timeline
Lemon is used in desserts such as pies, puddings, and custards.
The idea of spreading meringue on top of desserts is introduced in France.
The renowned French author publishes a cookbook with the recipe for a meringue-covered dessert.
Recipes for lemon meringue pie are found in various cookbooks titled "Lemon Cream Pie."
National Lemon Meringue Pie Day FAQs
Can you get sick from eating lemon meringue pie?
Meringues made from egg whites can carry salmonella bacteria when uncooked. Eating uncooked meringues can lead to salmonellosis. Meringue is safe to eat once it’s cooked.
How long does lemon meringue pie last?
It should be fine for a few hours at room temperature, but it’s better to keep it refrigerated. If kept refrigerated, a lemon meringue pie should last for about three days.
Should you serve lemon meringue hot or cold?
Great news, you can enjoy this delicious dessert hot or cold. If hot, make sure you let it cool down first before eating.
How to Celebrate National Lemon Meringue Pie Day
Eat one!
Eating a lemon meringue pie is the perfect way to commemorate National Lemon Meringue Pie Day. For a more memorable experience, remember to share with family and friends, as well as strangers.
Try new recipes
Don't get hung up on your habits. There are several recipes available for you to test. It's time to break out the cookbooks and put on your apron; it's time to try something new.
Teach someone how to make one
Are you already a pro at making amazing lemon meringue pies? Why don't you teach someone else how to make it?
5 Facts About Lemons That Will Blow Your Mind
The British Navy love lemons
Lemons are necessary onboard British Navy ships due to their healing powers arising from their high vitamin C concentration.
California is a lemon state
Arizona and California are responsible for 95% of lemon crops found in the U.S.
It has antibacterial properties
Mixing lemon juice with hot water creates an effective antibacterial mouthwash.
Lemons are fast and consistent growers
Lemon trees produce fruit throughout the year; each tree can produce up to 600 pounds of lemon annually.
They make excellent cleaning aids
Lemons have high acidic content making them effective cleaning aids.
Why We Love National Lemon Meringue Pie Day
Delicious treats
Pies rank among the favorite desserts anywhere in the world. Is there a better way to celebrate pies than savoring one of its best adaptations? No, we don’t think so.
Loads of recipes
The only thing better than eating a delicious lemon meringue pie is finding a different way of making it the next time. You'll never run out of fresh ways to enjoy this dessert, with options ranging from sugar-free to exotic seasonings.
Lemons are good for the body
Lemons have plenty of health benefits including preventing scurvy. Grated lemon rinds, as well as zest, are also common baking ingredients.
National Lemon Meringue Pie Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | August 15 | Thursday |
| 2025 | August 15 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 15 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 15 | Sunday |
| 2028 | August 15 | Tuesday |
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