HOT DOG – Here are the history, ingredients, and facts about this all-time favorite food that you probably didn’t know.
Hot dogs, those beloved cylindrical delights, have secured a special place in the hearts and stomachs of food lovers worldwide. This iconic snack, with its simple yet flavorful composition, has become a culinary classic throughout generations.
The hotdog’s origins can be traced back to the late 19th century when European immigrants brought their sausages to the United States. Legend has it that the term “hot dog” originated at a baseball game in the early 1900s when vendors began selling sausages in buns.
The vendors, who often referred to the sausages as “dachshund sausages” due to their resemblance to the dog breed, eventually coined the term “hot dog.”
Hotdog is usually made up of meat trimmings, fat, preservatives, and flavorings such as salt, garlic, and paprika. Beef and pork are the traditional meats for hotdogs while chicken and turkey are used for the cheaper products.
Companies are mixing meats, fillers, spices, and binders to prepare the common hot dog sausage. Usually, the casing is made from the small intestines of sheep.
Nowadays, a casing is used for cooking “skinless” hot dogs, however, the casing may be a long tube of thin cellulose that is removed between cooking and packing, a procedure created in Chicago in 1925 by Erwin O. Freund, creator of Visking.
However, hot dogs vary in surface texture, they are more uniform in shape and size and affordable as well.
A traditional hot dog sandwich comprises a seasoned and cured sausage, usually made from a blend of beef and pork. The sausage is nestled within a soft, fluffy bun, creating the perfect handheld delight.
Common toppings include mustard, ketchup, onions, relish, and sometimes a sprinkle of celery salt. This classic combination strikes a harmonious balance between savory, salty, and tangy flavors.