She Strengthens

A Slice of History: The Enduring Legacy of Sweet Potato Pie

A Timeless Tradition

Few dishes evoke the warmth and nostalgia of sweet potato pie, a staple of American households during the holiday season. While the turkey may take center stage, sweet potato pie is a beloved classic that transcends regional and cultural boundaries.

From Peru to the Antebellum Era

The sweet potato’s journey to the United States began with the transatlantic slave trade, which introduced the crop to North America and Europe. Spanish traders, who had discovered the sweet potato in Peru, brought it to the Western world. The plant thrived in the Southern states, where it was cultivated and cooked by enslaved Africans.

A Bittersweet History

Enslaved cooks developed a deep understanding of the sweet potato, creating their own crustless dessert using molasses and spices. Despite the lack of access to cooking equipment and flour, they managed to create sustenance out of what they had. This culinary ingenuity paved the way for the sweet potato pie we know today.

The Evolution of Sweet Potato Pie

As African American cooks gained access to stoves, the sweet potato pie became a staple of dessert tables. The annual ritual of eating sweet potato pie is a testament to an updated culinary tradition, one that honors the resilience and mastery of enslaved cooks.

Candied Yams: A Story of Resilience

For many African Americans, sweet potatoes hold a special significance, symbolizing resilience and culinary mastery. Candied yams, a caramelized iteration of the tuber, hearken back to antebellum years. Despite the confusion, candied yams are not made from yams, but rather sweet potatoes.

The Yam-Sweet Potato Debate

Michael Twitty, author of The Cooking Gene, explains the difference between yam and sweet potato. In West Africa, “yam” refers to the verb “nyam,” meaning “to eat.” Over time, enslaved Black Americans began to use the words “yam” and “sweet potato” interchangeably, as the sweet potato was the closest thing they could get to a yam.

A Legacy of Love

Sweet potato pie is a tradition that lives on, passed down from generation to generation. Food historian Adrian Miller notes that the nostalgia factor is huge, reminding us of beloved cooks, family gatherings, and community events. This holiday season, take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this beloved dessert.