Saskatoonberry pie

Saskatoonberry Pie

The Saskatoonberry Pie is a traditional Canadian dessert that features the Saskatoon berry as its main ingredient. This pie is particularly popular in the Prairie provinces of Canada, where the Saskatoon berry is native and widely harvested.

History

The Saskatoonberry Pie has a rich history rooted in the culinary traditions of the Indigenous peoples of Canada. The Cree, Ojibwe, and Blackfoot tribes were among the first to use Saskatoon berries in their diets, often combining them with wild game or bison meat. European settlers later adopted the use of these berries, incorporating them into their own recipes, including pies.

Preparation

The preparation of a Saskatoonberry Pie involves creating a filling from Saskatoon berries, sugar, and a thickening agent such as cornstarch or tapioca. The berries are typically simmered with sugar and a small amount of water until they release their juices, then thickened to create the pie filling. This is then poured into a pie crust, covered with a top crust, and baked until golden brown.

Cultural Significance

In addition to its popularity as a dessert, the Saskatoonberry Pie holds cultural significance in Canada. It is often served at special occasions and community events, particularly in the Prairie provinces. The city of Saskatoon, named after the berry, hosts an annual Saskatoonberry festival where the pie is a featured dish.

Variations

While the traditional Saskatoonberry Pie is made with a simple filling of berries, sugar, and a thickener, there are many variations of the recipe. Some bakers add other fruits, such as apples or rhubarb, to the filling, while others incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. There are also variations in the type of crust used, with some recipes calling for a crumb topping instead of a top crust.

See Also

• List of pies, tarts and flans
• Canadian cuisine
• Saskatoon berries