Info about Sandwiches
Sandwiches – Great Food in Great Style
Widely popular and versatile, sandwiches are consumed by many for snacks or lunch. Their main components are two slices of bread with a filling. Varieties of sandwiches generally involve the addition of bread slices or the manipulation of the fillings. One can bring them anywhere because they can be easily packed.
• Origins of the Word
According to the journal of Edward Gibbon, the term sandwich originally meant “bits of cold meat”. It was derived from the 4th Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu, who happened to want his meat delivered between two slices of bread. As the story goes, people around him eventually ordered “the same as Sandwich” and this food became popular among the aristocracy in the 18th century.
It is said that Sandwich preferred this food because he was able to avoid having greasy hands while playing cribbage and other card games. A serious version, written by the biographer N. A. M. Rodger, states that Sandwich's engagement with the navy, politics and the arts made him prefer food which could be consumed without leaving his desk.
• Evolution of Sandwiches
Bread, in itself, has been in existence for millennia. However, the first known record of an ancient sandwich was the use of two pieces of unleavened bread (Jewish matzah) with lamb meat and herbs in between, during the Passover. The bread underwent evolution from the stale bread or trenchers of the Middle Ages to the belegde broodje of the Dutch, which combined bread, butter and thin slices of beef.
Sandwiches were not initially acceptable in polite society and were considered fit only for men who gambled and drank at night. However, it eventually became popular among the aristocrats. In the 19th century, when there was a need for portable and affordable meals by the working classes, sandwiches became even more famous, particularly in Spain and England. When bread finally became the staple food of Americans, the preparation of sandwiches became widespread.
• Varieties
According to an official court ruling in Boston, Massachusetts, a sandwich should include two pieces of bread and therefore, the term cannot be used to refer to tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. However, the word is also informally used to open-faced sandwiches which are composed of a single bread sliced with meat, vegetables and condiments for toppings.
They can be made with different types of bread – refined bread, whole wheat bread and many others. Different countries or cultures have their own distinct sandwiches. For instance, Brazil has Bauru which consists of bread, roast beef and melted cheese. Italy has Caprese which has tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil and Panini which has salami, cheese, ham and mortadella or the food found in a ciabatta. The Middle East has Shawarma which consists of a rolled taboon bread with shaved turkey, goat, lamb or beef. Vietnam has Bahn Mi which has daikon, pickled carrots, meat and the fillings typical of a baguette.
Preparing sandwiches allows for creativity and consuming them provides good nutrition. They can be simple or elaborate depending on one's preferences. They are very versatile and portable and can be eaten anytime and anywhere.