Why Sweet Potato Pie Holds a Special Place in Black Culture

[@iwanttobelieve5970]

Sweet potato pie is the best.

[@FoodStorian]

Yes, it is! 🥧🥧

[@blackdove3057]

Interesting. But I'm certain that my grandma knew nothing about the historical aspect. It was just something that was passed down to her. She made the best sweet potato pie in the entire town .That is not an exaggeration. Her pies were always the first to go at family reunions. I do miss that. Unfortunately I had to stop making them. They were also fattening. I'm not sure if I know how anymore.

[@FoodStorian]

Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt memory about your grandma and her legendary sweet potato pies! It’s amazing how food traditions carry so much love and connection, even when the historical context isn’t always discussed. Your description really captures the warmth of family gatherings and the joy of those cherished recipes. It’s never too late to revisit those traditions, even in small ways. Maybe you could try a lighter version of the recipe or even just bake one for a special occasion to honor her memory. Do you happen to have her recipe written down, or is it one of those 'a pinch of this, a dash of that' treasures? 😊

[@fourthgenquilter9801]

I am baking Sweet Potato Pies right now! I only do them at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am the “Family SPP Queen” and make enough for all. I have a base recipe…but keep going with the seasonings until they taste the way that they always have for 41 years. Well, gotta go and enjoy a slice right now. This is a lovely video…thank you!

[@FoodStorian]

Thank you for sharing that, Family SPP Queen! 👑 It’s amazing to hear about your dedication to keeping the tradition alive for 41 years-what a legacy! It sounds like your sweet potato pies are the star of every holiday gathering, and I bet the love and care you put into them make them even more special. Your 'season until it tastes right' method is such a beautiful nod to tradition-it’s all about that personal touch! Enjoy your well-deserved slice (or two 😉), and thank you for bringing those warm, festive vibes to the comments. Do you ever experiment with your recipe, or do you keep it classic every time?

[@PoetOvGOD9547]

Central America and Africa?.

[@FoodStorian]

Great question! Sweet potatoes themselves are native to Central and South America, where they were cultivated thousands of years ago. However, the way sweet potato pie has become a staple in Black culture is deeply tied to African American history. Enslaved Africans brought their culinary techniques and traditions to America, adapting them to the ingredients available-like sweet potatoes, which were more common than the yams they were familiar with from Africa. It’s a fascinating blend of histories and cultures! Have you had a chance to try sweet potato pie, or do you have a favorite take on this dish?