Apple Pie Myths

 From Murrey and Blue:

In 1381 England, the first documented apple pie recipe was crafted without a single spoonful of sugar. Instead, this medieval masterpiece combined fresh apples, figs, raisins, and pears in a golden pastry crust tinted with precious saffron.

Medieval bakers relied on nature’s sweetness from dried fruits and honey, creating a sophisticated blend of flavors that would astonish modern taste buds. The pie was encased in a special pastry called a “cofyn,” reflecting the skilled craftsmanship of 14th-century English kitchens.

This original recipe laid the foundation for centuries of apple pie traditions across Europe and eventually America, though today’s versions bear little resemblance to their medieval ancestor. The use of expensive saffron suggests this wasn’t everyday fare, but rather a dish for special occasions. (Read more.)