“American as apple pie? Not quite. Burgers? Germany’s claim to fame. Hot dogs? Same. It may burst your patriotic bubble but many of these so-called ‘American icon foods’ actually predate Christopher Columbus’s discovery of the New World.
So move aside, Uncle Sam, because when it comes to the origins of these beloved American dishes, history takes us on a journey far beyond our shores.”
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1. Hamburger
Where it’s actually from: Germany
Fans of the ultimate comfort food might be surprised to learn that the hamburger, a bonafide American legend, actually owes its origins to the city of Hamburg, Germany. Yep, you read that right. Those mouthwatering beef patties we all know and love were initially inspired by the “Hamburg-style steaks” brought to the United States by German immigrants in the late 19th century. It was at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair that the hamburger truly found its bun-tastic destiny, where some genius vendor served the Hamburg-styled steaks in a convenient and portable way by placing them between two slices of bread or a bun. So, while America may have perfected the art of the burger, we have Germany to thank for its initial inspiration.d beef patty into a portable delight, ready to satisfy hunger on the go.
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2. Ketchup
Where it’s actually from: China
Here’s a mind-boggling revelation to ponder as you squeeze ketchup on your fries: it originated as a fish sauce in ancient China. Known as “ke-tsiap,” it started as a fermented fish sauce and found its place in Southeast Asian cuisine. But how did fishy sauce transform into the tomato-based delight we know today? Enter British explorers, who stumbled upon ke-tsiap during their adventures in the late 17th century. Recognizing its potential, they decided to bring it back to England. However, as any good explorer would do, they put their own spin on it. Out went the fish, and in came the vibrant red tomatoes. The evolution had begun.
The first published recipe for tomato-based ketchup came from the ingenious mind of American horticulturist James Mease. But hold your tomatoes, folks, because his recipe was missing key ingredients like vinegar and sugar. It wasn’t until 1876 that the brilliant mind of H.J. Heinz stepped in and revolutionized the game. Heinz devised a preservation method for tomato ketchup that was not only safer but also irresistibly tasty. And thus, “Heinz ketchup” was born, etching its place in history and shaping the ketchup we relish today.
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3. Peanut Butter
Where it’s actually from: Canada
Here is something nuts: the PB in your PBJ sandwich has roots that stretch way, way back. Contrary to popular belief, George Washington Carver did not invent peanut butter. The true origin story, as stated by the National Peanut Board, traces back to the Ancient Incas and Aztecs who ground peanuts into a paste.
In 1884, a Canadian chemist by the name of Marcellus Gilmore Edson from Montreal actually secured the patent for what we now know as modern peanut butter. The American method of producing peanut butter was later patented by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (yes, the same Kellogg of Kellogg’s fame) in 1895.
Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com.
4. Macaroni and Cheese
Where it’s actually from: Italy
While Thomas Jefferson introduced what would become America’s favorite comfort food to the country, the Founding Father was not the one who invented mac ‘n cheese. In fact, the creamy dish has its roots in Medieval Italy (Gasp!). The word “macaroni” derives from the Italian term “maccheroni,” which served as a catch-all for various pasta delights. A 14th-century cookbook, “Liber de Coquina,” allegedly written by an Italian author and printed in full (in Latin) features what is thought to be the first recipe for baked macaroni with cheese sauce. During a trip to Europe, Jefferson encountered macaroni dishes in Italy and brought back a pasta machine, as well as recipes for his favorite dishes, including macaroni and cheese. It quickly gained popularity in America and became a beloved dish for all ages. And the Kraft Mac’N Cheese box with processed cheese dust? Oh, that’s all American.
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5. Doughnuts
Where it’s actually from: Netherlands
While traces of doughnut-like creations have been found in prehistoric Native American settlements, the doughnut as we know it today made its way to Manhattan, then New Amsterdam, under the rather unappetizing name of “olykoeks” or “oily cakes” by the Dutch.
Fast forward to the 19th century, and we meet Elizabeth Gregory, a New England ship captain’s mother, who had a knack for deep-fried dough. Her recipe incorporated nutmeg, cinnamon, and lemon rind from her son’s spice cargo, making it both delicious and practical for long voyages. Legend has it that she placed hazelnuts or walnuts in the center, where the dough might not cook through, giving birth to the name “doughnuts.”
Image Credit: Makidotvn.
6. Apple Pie
Where it’s actually from: England, Netherlands
As American as apple pie? Well, hold on to your hats, because the truth might just surprise you. While apple pie has long been touted as a quintessential American dessert, its roots can be traced back even further. The origins of apple pie can be traced back to ancient times, with early evidence of fruit-filled pastries found in various cultures. However, the modern concept of apple pie as we know it today has its roots in medieval Europe. During the Middle Ages, pies filled with meat were commonly enjoyed in England. These pies, known as “pyes,” featured a crust called a “coffyn” and were often filled with a combination of meats, fruits, and spices. Over time, the popularity of sweet fruit-filled pies grew, including those made with apples. In the 15th century, Dutch bakers introduced the lattice-style crust, which became a defining feature of apple pies. This technique involved weaving strips of pastry over the filling, creating an eye-catching pattern. It added both visual appeal and a touch of elegance to the pie.
As exploration and colonization took place, European settlers brought their culinary traditions, including their love for apple pie, to the Americas. The abundance of apple orchards in regions like New England made apples a readily available and popular ingredient for pie-making.
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7. Bagels
Where it’s actually from: Poland
It’s a statement piece, a breakfast superstar, a culinary masterpiece, a hangover cure, and the best friend to cream cheese. It’s the bagel, New York City’s emblem. But how American the round pastry actually is? That’s debatable. As are the actual origins of the beloved bread. Some believe that the bagel’s story began in 17th-century Poland, where it was initially called “obwarzanek.” Polish Jewish communities then embraced this tasty treat, shaping it into the familiar ring form we know today. Others argue that the bagel has even earlier origins, possibly traced back to the Jewish communities in Germany. The word “bagel” itself might have Germanic roots, derived from “beygel” or “beugel,” which means a ring or bracelet. As Eastern European immigrants made their way to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they brought their cherished bagel recipes with them. The bagel quickly found a new home in the bustling streets of New York City, particularly in the Jewish neighborhoods of the Lower East Side. Over time, the bagel gained popularity beyond the Jewish community, becoming a symbol of New York City’s vibrant culinary scene. Today, it is enjoyed by people from all walks of life, with countless variations and flavors available.
Image Credit: airfrymaster.com.
8. Hot Dogs
Where it’s actually from: Germany/Austria
The hot dog: a star-spangled symbol of American cuisine. But its roots? They trace back to German immigrants who brought their sausage-making skills to the streets of New York. In the 1800s, a wave of German immigrants brought their rich culinary heritage to the shores of the New World. Among their delectable creations was the weiner known back then as “dachshund sausages.” However, it was in the bustling atmosphere of Coney Island around 1870 that the hot dog truly made its mark. A German immigrant by the name of Charles Feltman had the vision to open the first-ever hot dog stand on this iconic beachfront destination. In that inaugural year alone, Feltman served up a staggering 3,600 frankfurters nestled in buns, captivating the taste buds of eager patrons. In 1880, a resourceful sausage vendor in St. Louis who faced a shortage of white gloves—which were traditionally given to customers to hold their hot sausages— began serving the sausages inside a white bun instead, forever changing the way hot dogs were enjoyed.
Methodology
We extensively combed through history websites, food foundations, and museum websites to uncover the true origins of certain foods often considered American but in reality, have diverse cultural roots.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
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