As American As Apple Pie

When you think about July 4, what do you think about? If you said fireworks, cookouts and apple pie, then you are not alone. But do you know the whys and wherefores of how all became associated with Independence Day?

While the first fireworks date back to as early as 200 BC, the use of fireworks on the Fourth of July began in 1777, when the Sons of Liberty set them off over Boston Common. Their celebration followed the first organized celebration which included a ship’s cannon firing off a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. WalletHub estimates we spend more than $2 billion on fireworks each year.

Did you know a recipe for apple pie was included in the first American cookbook in 1796? However, the fruit-filled pastry became an American dessert classic as far back as the 1600s when colonists first arrived in America. Those seeking independence wanted to get as far away from Britain as possible (and that meant foods too) so they took up the culinary delight from Dutch and German immigrants.

More than half of Americans hold cookouts on Independence Day, according to Statista, with about $7.7 billion spent on food. It is considered the most popular cooking holiday with Memorial Day coming in a distant second. The first cookouts began in the early 1800s, with colonists smoking large animals over an open fire. It later morphed into political rallies to mark the day. It’s estimated today that 150 million hotdogs are consumed on July 4.