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For example, you should really reconsider using the phrase “as American as apple pie”.
For example, you should really reconsider using the phrase “as American as apple pie”.
Food, glorious food
We can’t live without it, and fortunately, there’s plenty of different kinds of food, we can get.
All-American – or what?
Even though a lot of the dishes and drinks served in America is a source of national pride for many, a lot of the most “All-American” dishes and drinks are actually not American inventions.
Hamburgers
Even thoug hamburgers are a stable in pretty much every diner and most restaurants across the U.S., they aren’t actually of American origin.
The dish can be dated back to the 12th century, and the basis for the modern hamburger was introduced to America by German immigrants in the 19th century.
Ketchup
French Fries without ketchup seems unthinkable to most, but ketchup is not an American invention.
The original recipe, which was actually a sauce based on fermented fish, was developed in China, and it was copied by the British in the 18th century.
The first-ever ketchup recipe featuring tomatoes is American though.
Apple Pie
The next time, someone says something is “as American as apple pie”, you should ask them, if they mean Greek, Dutch or British.
Pie recipies can be traced back to the Ancient Greeks, but they were made popular in medieval England.
Modern apple pie was created by Dutch bakers in the 15th century, and the first fruit pies were made in 16th century England.
Macaroni and Cheese
Thomas Jefferson is often credited with inventing Mac’n’Cheese after he had been on a trip to Europe.
However, the original recipe for macaroni baked with a cheese sauce can be traced back to the 14th century, where it was featured in a cookbook written by an Italian.
Peanut Butter
No, George Washington Carver did NOT invent peanut butter.
The ever-so-popular bread spread can be traced back to the Ancient Aztecs and Incas, but modern peanut butter was actually patented by the Canadian Marcellus Gilmore Edson.
11 years later, Dr. John Harvey Kellog patented the “American Method” of making it.
Meatloaf
As early as Medieval Europe, scraps of meat with nuts, fruits and seasoning was made to not let any leftover meat go to waste.
The first American-style meatloaf saw the day of light in the 1870’s, and back then, it was even eaten for breakfast.
Doughnuts
This one really blew our minds!
Sweetened and fried dough has been around for Millenia, but the basis for the modern doughnut came to the United States via Dutch bakers.
Fried dough balls, however, is credited to an American Woman from New England, and her son is said to have out a hole in the center of the balls to make sure, he did not consume the raw and gooey inside.
Fried Chicken
Experts disagree on who actually started frying chicken.
Some say it all started in Scotland, but others say it’s more likely that fried chicken made it’s way to America during the era of slavery, as deep-frying is very common in Africa.
BBQ
Technically speaking, roasting meet over open fire dates back millions of years, but that aside, barbeque is still not an American invention.
In fact, spice-rubbed meat topped with sauce after being cooked over fire originates from the Caribbean, more specifically the West indies, and was first discovered by 16th century explorers like Christopher Columbus.
Budweiser
The best-selling beer of all time in America (Bud Light) is not American.
Budweiser was founded by a German, and the headquarter of the company is based in Belgium.
It’s mostly produced in the U.S., though.
Hot dogs
Imagine going to a Baseball game without having a hot dog. Well, you can thank the Germans for that tradition.
Hot dogs originates from Germany, some say as early as the 17th century.
And it does make sense that the Frankfurter was invented in Frankfurt, right?
