From low-quality concession stand “meat” burgers to high-quality wagyu, burgers come in all shapes and sizes. They are a staple in American culture and are widely known for their unique form and combination of ingredients. But what makes a hamburger so “American,” and how are they important in explaining the dense cultural past of American foods?
Contrary to popular belief, hamburgers are not German. Although their name is taken from Hamburg, Germany, their only derivation from the original food is the patty. They are originally known as Frikadellen or flattened meatballs. They are made from a mixture of ground meat, which is usually a combination of beef and pork, combined with breadcrumbs, onions, eggs, and a blend of herbs and spices. Occasionally, mustard and parsley are added to enhance the flavor profile, giving them a distinctive taste that sets them apart. The idea moved to America during the mid-19th century, when migrants from Germany brought their knowledge of the dish with them, as they ate Frikadellen as a cheap and tasty meal option while waiting for their ships. Regarding the American aspect, the word sandwich was not recorded until far into the 18th century, named in honor of the English aristocrat John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, who preferred to eat sandwiches so he could play cards without dirtying his fingers.
Later, in the 19th century, one of the first “birth of the burger” stories took place in Canton, Ohio. The natives Frank and Charles Menches who were food vendors at the 1885 Erie County Fair outside of Buffalo, New York (known as the Hamburg Fair) roughly described their accounts of the event.
According to the story:
They both ran out of their signature menu item of pork sausage sandwiches. Their supplier, Andrew Klein, didn’t want to butcher more hogs during the unseasonable late summer heat and suggested that they use a substitute of ground beef. Although hesitating, the brothers both fired some up, but they both found it dry and bland. They ended up having to add other ingredients to give it more of a unique taste, and they found success selling it with just ketchup and sliced onion.
They named it after the New York city of Hamburg on September 18, which now is honored as “National Birth of the Burger Day.”
Today hamburgers are often featured in fast food restaurants as a main dish, and unlike the original recipe, usually mass-produced in factories and frozen for delivery to the site. They come in a variety of forms throughout global chains. For example, one of the most uniquely shaped patties in the U.S. can be found at any common Wendy’s, as they sell square-cut hamburger patties to make it distinct and to outshine their competitors. Others, like Burger King, fall back onto original techniques and use a gas flame grilling process. One of the craziest but also popular burgers is found at McDonalds, known as the infamous Big Mac. This is one of the world’s top-selling hamburgers, estimating around 550 million sold annually in the U.S.
Some restaurants offer elaborate hamburgers using unique expensive cuts of meat and various cheeses, toppings, and sauces. For example, Son of a Butcher sells a wagyu burger that supposedly tastes good, but at a cost of price.
There are many different types of ways to sell burgers. At conventional American restaurants, hamburgers may be ordered “rare” but are more normally sold medium-well or well done for food safety reasons, which fast food restaurants don’t offer.
Burgers have always been important to me my entire life. I grew up in a Texas household, so it was only natural to take on local foods. I loved the way my dad cooked burgers, which only made my love for them grow more. Growing up he even taught me how to make them, and assisted me when I needed help turning on the stove. Eventually, I got to learn the specific type of burger I enjoyed and even decided on a specific order that I could place for any fast food or takeout place I eat at. I still love burgers to this day, and I don’t think I will ever stop enjoying them.
In the end, burgers are an essential part of American culture, as it represents a time of growth in the United States. Learning about the roots of all American foods can help us learn about cultural importance and give meaning to the food we enjoy in our everyday lives.
