National Burger Day is celebrated every year in August, on the Thursday before the bank holiday weekend. This year, it’s on August 22. Burgers are tasty and easy to make. They can be prepared in many different ways with various toppings to match the eater’s preferences. This versatility is why burgers are so popular and loved by many. Mr. Hyde, a daily email service for men with lifestyle content, started National Burger Day to honor this beloved food.
History of National Burger Day
The earliest version of a burger dates back to the first century A.D. in Rome, where a dish made from minced meat, pine nuts, peppers, wine, and garum was created. Fast forward to the 13th century A.D., the Mongols, known for their exceptional horseback riding and combat skills, tenderized meat by placing thick beef slabs under their saddles, which would be ready to eat after a day of riding.
In 1747, a precursor to the modern hamburger called “Hamburg sausage” appeared in Hannah Glasse’s cookbook, “The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy.” This dish consisted of smoked ground beef with spices, garlic, vinegar, salt, and red wine, served on toast. By 1802, the term “Hamburg steak” was included in “The Oxford English Dictionary,” describing a salted, smoked, minced beef mixed with onions and breadcrumbs.
The invention of the burger is attributed to the 1885 Erie Country Fair in Hamburg, New York, where brothers Frank and Charles Menches, running a food stand, substituted ground beef for pork sausages, creating the burger.
That same year, 15-year-old Charlie Nagreen at the Seymour Fair in Wisconsin made a portable sandwich by pressing beef meatballs between slices of bread. In 1891, Oscar Weber Wilby and his wife Fanny celebrated the Fourth of July by flame-grilling beef patties and serving them in a bun, adding another milestone to the burger’s history.
In 1921, in Wichita, Kansas, cook Walter Anderson and entrepreneur Billy Ingram opened their first restaurant, revolutionizing hamburgers with their unique design, cooking methods, and serving style.
In 1948, the McDonald brothers began selling hamburgers in California, eventually becoming the world’s largest fast-food chain. In 1953, Burger King was founded in Florida, emerging as McDonald’s biggest competitor.
| 1st Century A.D. (The Burger Makes its First Appearance) |
The earliest version of a burger appeared in the 1st century A.D. in Rome. It was a dish made from ground minced meat mixed with pine nuts, peppers, wine, and garum. |
| 1885 (Beef is Served Between Bread) | At the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, New York, the Menches brothers use beef in their sandwiches, creating a burger. |
| 1948 (McDonald’s is Created) | The McDonald brothers open a restaurant in California and start making hamburgers. |
| 1954 (McDonald’s’ Biggest Competitor Opens) | Burger King is established in Florida and becomes the biggest challenger to McDonald’s. |
5 Interesting Facts About Burgers
- Name Origin: The term ‘hamburger’ comes from Hamburg, Germany. Hamburg steaks were brought to the U.S. by German immigrants, and when they started serving the steak between slices of bread, the ‘hamburger sandwich’ was born.
- Staple Food: Burgers are a major food item in the U.S., with nearly 50 billion consumed annually.
- Sandwich Stats: About 60% of all sandwiches sold globally are hamburgers.
- Affordable Start: In 1921, the first burger was sold for just five cents.
- Burger Love: If you lined up all the burgers eaten by Americans, they would stretch around the world 32 times!
Modern Burger Trends and Innovations
National Burger Day is the perfect occasion to explore the latest trends and innovations in the world of burgers. As consumers’ tastes and dietary preferences evolve, so too does the hamburger. Here are some of the most exciting trends and innovations shaping the burger landscape today:
Plant-Based Burgers: With a growing emphasis on health and sustainability, plant-based burgers have become a major trend. Companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have developed plant-based patties that mimic the taste and texture of traditional beef burgers. These options appeal to vegetarians, vegans, and those looking to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing flavor.
Gourmet Burgers: The rise of gourmet burger joints has led to an explosion of creative and upscale burger options. From truffle aioli and foie gras to artisanal cheeses and specialty buns, gourmet burgers offer a sophisticated twist on the classic recipe. These high-end creations often feature unique flavor combinations and premium ingredients.
International Flavors: Burgers are no longer confined to traditional American flavors. Chefs and home cooks alike are experimenting with international ingredients and flavor profiles. You might find burgers topped with kimchi, teriyaki sauce, or tzatziki, reflecting global culinary influences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Burger Day on August 22 celebrates the enduring appeal and versatility of the burger. From its ancient roots to modern trends like plant-based and gourmet options, the burger continues to captivate taste buds worldwide. This year, as you enjoy your favorite burger, remember its rich history and evolution, and savor the creativity it brings to the table.
Frequently Ask Question
1. When is National Burger Day celebrated?
National Burger Day is celebrated every August, on the Thursday before the bank holiday weekend. This year, it falls on August 22.
2. What is the origin of the burger?
The earliest version of the burger dates back to the 1st century A.D. in Rome. The modern hamburger, however, was popularized in the late 19th century with key milestones including the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, New York, and the introduction of flame-grilled patties by Oscar Weber Wilby.
3. Who started National Burger Day?
National Burger Day was started by Mr. Hyde, a daily email service for men that features lifestyle content, to honor the beloved burger.
Also read, National Frozen Custard Day – August 8, 2024
