Who invented the pumpkin pie?

There's no single inventor of pumpkin pie! It's a dish with a long and fascinating history. Here's what we know:

* Ancient Origins: Pumpkin-like gourds have been cultivated for thousands of years in the Americas. Native Americans used them in various dishes, including sweet ones, long before European contact.

* Early European Influences: When Europeans arrived in the Americas, they encountered pumpkin and other gourds. They brought their own baking traditions, using ingredients like spices and sugar, which likely influenced the evolution of pumpkin pie.

* Colonial America: The earliest known recipe for something resembling modern pumpkin pie appeared in a 17th-century American cookbook. It was likely a simpler version than what we know today, but it marked the beginnings of the dish's popularity in the colonies.

* Evolution and Modernization: Over time, pumpkin pie recipes continued to be refined. The addition of ingredients like evaporated milk and canned pumpkin in the 20th century made it easier to make and contribute to its widespread popularity.

Therefore, pumpkin pie is a product of cultural exchange and culinary evolution, rather than the creation of a single individual. It's a delicious reminder of the rich history of food and its ability to bring people together!