If you’re a fan of burgers, then you’ve probably never stopped to wonder why they’re called hamburgers. After all, these delicious sandwiches don’t contain any ham, so where did the name come from? Well, there are a few different theories out there about how the humble burger got its name, and we’re going to explore them all in this blog post. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
One popular theory about the origins of the ‘hamburger’ is that it was named after the German city of Hamburg. According to this theory, German immigrants came to America in the 19th century and brought their love of beef with them. These immigrants then started selling beef patties at food stands and calling them ‘Hamburgers’ after their hometown.
While this theory is certainly plausible, there is no concrete evidence to support it. Another theory claims that the ‘hamburger’ was actually invented by Hamburg-style sailors who would grind up beef and mix it with spices to make a kind of hash. These sailors were then said to have brought their creation back to America, where it caught on and became known as the ‘hamburger.’
However, there are some problems with this theory as well. For one thing, Hamburg-style sailors didn’t start coming to America until after the Civil War, which is long after burgers are known to have been invented. Additionally, there is no mention of Hamburgers being served on American ships during this time period.
So, if neither of these theories is correct, then where does the name ‘hamburger’ really come from? Well, the most likely explanation is that it was simply a way to differentiate between beef and pork sandwiches. In the 19th century, pork was much more common than beef, so any sandwich made with beef would likely have been called a ‘beef sandwich.’ However, since there were already plenty of pork sandwiches around, they needed a way to distinguish themselves from all the other options out there. And thus, the ‘hamburger’ was born!
Conclusion:
Next time you’re enjoying a delicious burger at your favorite restaurant, take a moment to think about its unique name. The term ‘hamburger’ has been around for centuries, but its true origins are still a bit of a mystery. Was it named after the German city of Hamburg? Was it invented by Hamburg-style sailors? Or was it simply a way to distinguish beef sandwiches from all the other options out there? We may never know for sure—but that doesn’t make burgers any less delicious!
