There are certain foods and drinks, that have been passed as American in most people's minds, including those from other countries. But are they American?
(In alphabetical order)
1) Apple Pie (British)
Apple pie, a signature American food. To the point there is a phrase called as American as apple pie. Which means typical American. But is true? No it isn't. Apple Pie was invented in England. The first recorded recipe was written in 14th century in England.
2) Bacon (British)
The American-favorite breakfast, is actually not American. The first people who started to produce Bacon as we know it, were British. Then Americans took bacon, and made their own pattern. In most countries, they believe that bacon is American, but actually it's not. British were those who introduced it to Americans first.
3) Beer (German)
Americans consume a lot of beer, and there are American beer brands indeed. But beer American? Nein! First of all beer is one of the most ancient drinks, being existed for thousands of years. Obviously way before America was discovered. But the modern beer as we know it, it started being produced in Germany around 14th century, and it's Germany's national drink.
4) Burgers (German)
Burgers are one of the most Americanized things indeed. But are they American? Answer is, no. Even the name itself, sounds German. They are originated from Hamburg. The reason they have passed as an American thing, because of McDonald's (the famous American fast-food chain), which don't resemble original burgers at all.
5) Crisps (British)
Or chips in American English. But since they are British, let's call them crisps. Crisps were an English patent, written by an English cook in 19th century. Such recipes were written just a few years later in America as well, but that was in 1824. British came two years earlier, so they take the credit here.
6) Donuts (Dutch)
Donuts were introduced to Americans, by Dutch people during the 18th-19th century. They are based on a traditional Belgian/Dutch dessert called Oilebol. The ring-shaped donut is an American patent indeed. But the recipe is Dutch, so credit should be given to the latter.
7) French Fries (Belgian)
Many people from other countries as well, consider fries an American thing. But in fact they are Belgian and this is their international food. The French term is a wrong term that was coined during the World War I era, by British and American soldiers believing the food was French.
Still, in fries' case there is an American patent. Fries with ketchup is an American pattern indeed. In Belgium mayonnaise is preferred, which tastes better by the way. Try with mayonnaise once, if you have never did, and you will realize the difference.
8. Gummy Bears (German)
The favorite candy for kids, started being produced in Germany, and not in America. Haribo, the famous company that produces gummy bears, was the first and they started in Germany.
9) Hot-Dog (Polish)
The popular food, sold in the streets during the 4th of July (American Independence Day), is NOT American, but Polish. It was introduced to Americans by a Polish Although the sausage was German (from Frankfurt), the hot-dog patent is Polish, and later Americans made their own version of hot-dog, and turn it into one of their international foods.
10) Ice-Cream (Chinese)
The ice-cream as we know it, was being eaten in China for centuries, before it came to Europe and then in America. The reason why someone might believe it's American, is because ice-cream cake (with various themes on it) is a popular dessert, among birthday parties in America, something that many cultures have adopted later.
11) Ketchup (Chinese)
Maybe fries with ketchup might be an American patent indeed. But both fries (as I said above) and ketchup are not American. Ketchup was used as a fish sauce in China, originally. People believe it's American, because it's being used in Americanized foods a lot, like hot-dogs, burgers and fries. Which all of them are not American too.
12) Macaroni and Cheese (British)
Or Mac and Cheese like Americans say it. The famous American dish is not American as well, but British! In fact Americans have adopted many things from British people, most notably the language they speak. The first Macaroni and Cheese recipe was recorded in a 18th century cooking book, from an English woman.
13) Peanut Butter (Canadian)
The favorite American spread, is not American as well. A form of Peanut butter existed, during the time of Aztecs and Incas, but the peanut butter as we know it, started being produced by a Canadian man.
14) Pizza (Italian)
If you have tried pizza from an Italian pizzeria, then you can realize the difference. Americanized pizza is with a thick crust and thin filling, whilst Italian pizza is the other way round. Pizzas were supposed to have thin crust. So even though pizzas are originated from Italy, we can have American Pizza, as a separate food. Calling them just Pizza is just wrong.
15) Whisky (Irish)
Whisky is Irish. Ever heard of the traditional Irish song Whisky In The Jar ? The American patent is what we call Bourbon. But whisky has its origins in Ireland, as the word itself. It comes from the Gaelic language (uisce beatha), meaning water of life. The reason many might believe it's American, is because of Jack Daniels being the most popular whisky brand, along with Wild Turkey and Fireball as well.
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