A recent report examines a variety of historic pie fillings that have largely vanished from modern supermarket shelves. These forgotten recipes range from 17th-century settler staples to "desperation" dishes created during periods of extreme economic hardship.
The vinegar and water pies born from economic hardship
Long before the modern era of budget-friendly meal prepping, families relied on what the report calls "desperation pies" to survive financial crises. The vinegar pie, for instance, utilized the acidity of vinegar to mimic the zesty flavor of lemon when fresh fruit was unaffordable. Similarly, the water pie served as a critical fallback for households that could no longer afford basic staples like milk or eggs, relying instead on a simple mixture of water, flour, sugar, butter, and vanilla.
This history of survival echoes in today's internet culture, where "budget-core" and extreme frugality trends often go viral on platforms like TikTok. However, while modern users might choose cheap ingredients for a challenge or a trend, the original water and vinegar pies were born of necessity. As refrigeration improved and fruit became more accessible, these substitutions were abandoned, leaving them as curiosities for retro food enthusiasts rather than daily staples.
Why the Shaker lemon pie's bitterness mirrors a declining religious sect
The Shaker lemon pie, popularized by the Shaker religious sect originating in Maine, differed from modern versions by using the entire citrus fruit rather than just the juice and zest. According to the report,this resulted in a bitter taste that prevented the recipe from achieving the same widespread popularity as the sweeter lemon meringue pie. this culinary decline mirrors the demographic shift of the Shakers themselves, as only three such communities remain in existence today.
There are, however, several gaps in the historical record regarding other "comfort" foods of the past. For example, the report mentions a "unique pie" used as funeral food because its ingredients were available year-round, yet it does not specify the exact flavor profile of this dish. It remains unclear which specific ingredients made this funeral pie a staple of grief, or which specific US states still consider it a delicacy today.
The fish-headed Stargazy pie of Cornwall
While many forgotten pies were sweet, the Stargazy pie of Cornwall represents a more visually challenging savory tradition. This dish is characterized by fish heads and tails protruding through the pastry crust, creating a signature look that the report describes as "stomach-churning" to many modern diners... While it remains a regional specialty in Cornwall, it has failed to find a broader audience in the age of aesthetic food photography.
The Stargazy pie serves as a reminder that the "comfort food" label is highly subjective and culturally dependent. In a world where food is often judged by its "Instagrammability," the raw, visceral appearance of fish heads staring at the diner makes the Stargazy pie an unlikely candidate for a modern viral comeback, despite its deep roots in Cornish heritage.
From 1904 butterscotch to the 17th-century Marlborough apple pie
The evolution of sweet pies also shows how tastes shift toward more decadent or convenient options. In 1904, the butterscotch pie was a popular treat, but as the report says, it was eventually eclipsed by the richer flavor of caramel. Similarly, the chocolate meringue pie once dominated the dessert scene before being replaced by the lighter, more acidic lemon meringue variation, as the chocolate version was often considered too heavy for a full meal.
Even the most traditional flavors have evolved; the Marlborough pie, dating back to the 17th century, combined apples, spices, cream, and butter. This recipe was so valued that settlers carried it across the Atlantic to the Americas to make use of apples before they spoiled. Over time, however, the Marlborough pie was abandoned in favor of simpler apple pie recipes that required less effort to prepare, proving that convenience often triumphs over complex tradition.
Comments 0