National Graham Cracker Day

Group of diverse people gathered around a campfire, roasting marshmallows on graham crackers, cozy outdoor setting with twinkling lights.. — National graham cracker day illustration

Welcome, my dear graham cracker enthusiasts, to the fantastical world of National Graham Cracker Day! Today, we celebrate this crunchy, sweet treat that has graced our taste buds for years. So grab a glass of milk, sit back, and let's dive into the delicious history of this delightful snack!

When is Graham Cracker Day?

It's national graham cracker day on the 5th July.

The Origins of the Graham Cracker

Did you know that graham crackers were not always the delicious snacks we know today? It all started with a man named Sylvester Graham in the early 19th century. Graham was a Presbyterian minister and health advocate, and he believed that a vegetarian diet devoid of processed foods was the key to a healthy life. He developed a special type of flour known as 'graham flour,' which was made by grinding whole wheat.

Soon enough, Graham realized that his flour could be used to make a tasty, crispy biscuit. These biscuits, aptly named 'Graham crackers,' gained popularity, and people started incorporating them into their diets. They were packed with fiber and had a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that won the hearts of many.

The Internet Buzz around National Graham Cracker Day

Since National Graham Cracker Day has made its way onto our calendars, the internet has been abuzz with excitement. From recipes to fun facts, graham cracker enthusiasts from all walks of life gather online to discuss and share their love for this crunchy delight. In fact, on July 5th, 2017, there were a whopping 532 mentions online regarding National Graham Cracker Day!

Food bloggers are always coming up with inventive ways to utilize graham crackers in desserts like s'mores cheesecake, key lime pie, and even graham cracker ice cream. Sports enthusiasts have even found ways to incorporate graham crackers into their post-workout snacks, giving a boost of energy and flavor. It's truly amazing to see how this simple biscuit has captured the hearts and taste buds of so many.

History behind the term 'Graham Cracker'

1829

Invention of the Graham Flour

In 1829, Reverend Sylvester Graham, a Presbyterian minister from New Jersey, invented a type of whole wheat flour known as Graham flour. He believed that this coarsely ground flour, made from unbleached and unsifted wheat, was more nutritious and had fewer health risks than the refined white flour commonly used at the time.

1882

Creation of Graham Crackers

In 1882, the Graham cracker was created by the American baker, Sylvester Graham. He developed the cracker as a way to promote his Graham flour and advocate for a healthier diet. The original Graham cracker was a plain, dry, and brittle cracker made solely from Graham flour and water. It was intentionally not sweetened or flavored, as Graham believed that indulging in rich and sugary foods was detrimental to health.

1898

Commercial Production Begins

In 1898, the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) began commercial production of Graham crackers. Nabisco added a touch of sweetness to the original Graham cracker recipe by including a small amount of sugar in the dough. They also began perforating the cracker dough to create the signature texture and ridges we see on modern Graham crackers.

1925

Graham Crackers Become Popular

By the 1920s, Graham crackers had gained immense popularity and had become a staple in American households. They were often consumed as a snack, enjoyed with milk, or used in various recipes, such as pie crusts and s'mores. The slightly sweet and crispy nature of Graham crackers made them versatile for both sweet and savory applications.

Current

Modern-Day Significance

Today, Graham crackers are widely recognized and loved as a delicious and nostalgic treat. While there are various flavored versions available, the classic Graham cracker remains a popular choice. Additionally, Graham cracker crumbs are commonly used in dessert recipes and as a base for cheesecakes and other desserts. The term 'Graham cracker' has become firmly rooted in American culinary culture and continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Did you know?

Did you know that graham crackers were initially developed as part of a health-oriented diet? Sylvester Graham would be proud that his creation has become a beloved snack enjoyed by people of all ages!