The history of the burger: from its creation to today

The Fascinating History of the Hamburger: From Humble Beginnings to Global Phenomenon

The hamburger, a culinary icon that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people worldwide, has a rich and intriguing history. Join us as we explore The history of the burger: from its creation to today, tracing its journey from its humble beginnings to its status as a global fast-food staple.

The Early Origins

Mongol Warriors and Raw Meat

Believe it or not, the story of the hamburger begins with none other than Genghis Khan and his Mongol warriors in the 12th century. These fierce fighters would place slices of raw horsemeat under their saddles to tenderize it during their long rides. This practice of eating raw meat spread as the Mongols conquered new territories.

The Hamburg Connection

Fast forward to the 14th and 15th centuries, when sailors from Hamburg, Germany – then the world’s largest port – observed that people in Latvia, Finland, and Estonia were consuming raw minced beef. This culinary practice made its way back to Germany, where a clever butcher had the idea to grill the raw minced meat. By the 18th century, the “Hamburg Steak” was being served throughout the port city.

The Birth of the Modern Hamburger

The exact origin of the modern hamburger – a cooked ground beef patty served between two slices of bread – is a subject of much debate. Several individuals and locations claim to be the inventors of this iconic sandwich.

Louis Lassen: The Official Version

According to the Library of Congress, the official birthplace of the hamburger is New Haven, Connecticut, at Louis’ Lunch restaurant. The story goes that in 1900, a hurried customer asked owner Louis Lassen for a quick meal to go. Lassen, short on steak, grilled some beef trimmings and served them between two slices of bread.

Other Contenders

1. Charlie Nagreen: In 1885, 15-year-old Charlie Nagreen, aka “Hamburger Charlie,” reportedly sold meatballs between bread slices at the Seymour Fair in Wisconsin.
2. The Menches Brothers: Frank and Charles Menches claim to have created the hamburger in 1885 at the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, New York, when they ran out of pork for their sandwiches and used beef instead.
3. Oscar Weber Bilby: The state of Oklahoma asserts that Bilby served the first hamburger on a bun in Tulsa in 1891.
4. Fletcher Davis: Some Texans believe that Davis was selling fried ground beef patties with mustard and onion between two slices of bread in Athens, Texas, in the 1880s.

The Rise of the American Hamburger

1904 St. Louis World’s Fair

The 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri, played a crucial role in popularizing the hamburger. Mentioned in a New York Tribune article as “the innovation of a food vendor on the pike,” the hamburger’s popularity exploded following the fair.

Early Chains and the Great Depression

1. White Castle: Founded in 1921 in Kansas, White Castle is credited with reviving the hamburger’s popularity by selling “Salisbury Steaks.”
2. Kewpee Hamburgers: This chain began selling burgers in 1923 and had grown to 400 locations before World War II.
3. White Tower Hamburger: During the Great Depression, they sold burgers for just 5 cents, helping to cement the hamburger’s image as an affordable, filling meal.

Post-World War II Boom

After World War II, the hamburger rode the wave of America’s economic expansion, becoming a symbol of the country’s growing fast-food culture.

The Global Hamburger Phenomenon

Fast Food Revolution

The rise of fast-food chains in the mid-20th century catapulted the hamburger to international fame. McDonald’s, which began selling hamburgers in 1940, played a significant role in globalizing this American staple.

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In recent years, the hamburger has transcended its fast-food image. High-end restaurants and Michelin-starred chefs now offer premium versions featuring luxurious ingredients like truffles and foie gras.

The Hamburger in the world

The hamburger has become increasingly popular in the world. Ranking as the second most ordered dish for home delivery in 2021, accounting for nearly 46% of orders. It’s also in the top three snack food sales, with a 31% market share.

The Classic Hamburger Recipe

For those wanting to recreate the original hamburger experience at home, here’s a simple recipe:

1. A soft hamburger bun
2. A beef patty
3. A slice of cheddar cheese
4. Fresh vegetables (typically tomatoes and lettuce)
5. Hamburger sauce (homemade is best for quality)

Here is another post where you can find some more recipes of homemade burgers.

Interesting Hamburger Facts

• Americans consume about 50 billion hamburgers annually, equivalent to about 3 burgers per person per week.
• The word “burger” is simply a shortened form of “hamburger.”
• A Japanese competitive eater holds the world record for eating 96 hamburgers in 8 minutes.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings as a convenient meal for Mongol warriors to its status as a global culinary icon, the hamburger has come a long way.
Whether you prefer a simple fast-food version or an elaborate gourmet creation, the hamburger continues to evolve and satisfy taste buds around the world. Its ability to adapt to different cultures and cuisines ensures that this beloved sandwich will remain a favorite for generations to come.