Burgers

Burgers are a popular type of sandwich consisting of one or more cooked patties of ground meat, usually beef, placed inside a sliced bread roll or bun. The patty may be pan fried, grilled, smoked or flame broiled. Burgers are often served with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, bacon, or chiles; condiments such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish, or a "special sauce", often a variation of Thousand Island dressing; and are frequently placed on sesame seed buns.

History

The term burger, a shortened version of hamburger, has a disputed origin. The name "hamburger" originally derives from Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city, from where many people emigrated to America. In High German, Burg means "fortified settlement" or "fortified refuge" and is a widespread component of place names. Hamburger can be a descriptive noun in German, referring to someone from Hamburg (compare London -> Londoner) or an adjective describing something from Hamburg.

The first printed American menu which listed hamburger was claimed to be an 1834 menu from Delmonico's in New York. However, the printer of the original menu was not in business in 1834.

Variations

There are many international and regional variations of the burger. For example, in Australia, a "burger" may also include a fried egg, beetroot, pineapple, and barbecue sauce. In New Zealand, burgers are usually made from lamb or beef, and served with lettuce, onion, avocado, bacon, egg, and cheese, along with beetroot and pineapple.

In the United States, burgers may be classified as two main types: fast food hamburgers and individually prepared burgers made in homes and restaurants. The latter are often prepared with a variety of toppings, including lettuce, tomato, onion, and often sliced pickles (or pickle relish). French fries often accompany the burger. Cheese (usually processed cheese slices but often Cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or blue), either melted on the meat patty or crumbled on top, is generally an option.

Health concerns

Concerns about the health effects of eating burgers, particularly those from fast food restaurants, have been raised. These concerns include links to obesity, heart disease, and other health problems. Some people choose to eat burgers made from alternative proteins, such as turkey, bison, chicken, or plant-based proteins, to mitigate these health concerns.

See also

• Cheeseburger
• Veggie burger
• Chicken burger
• Fish burger