Graham crackers

Graham Cracker

The graham cracker is a type of biscuit that originated in the United States. It is named after its inventor, Sylvester Graham, a 19th-century minister and dietary reformer. Graham crackers are typically made from graham flour, a type of whole wheat flour that includes the wheat germ and bran, which gives the cracker its distinctive flavor and texture.

History

The graham cracker was developed in the early 19th century by Sylvester Graham as part of his Graham Diet. This diet was designed to suppress what he believed were unhealthy carnal urges, the source of many maladies according to Graham's beliefs. The original graham cracker was a hard, bland biscuit made from unrefined flour and free of additives such as sugars and flavorings.

Modern Graham Crackers

Modern graham crackers are often sweetened and flavored with ingredients such as honey, cinnamon, or chocolate. They are commonly used in the United States as an ingredient in desserts, most notably the S'more, a campfire treat consisting of a roasted marshmallow and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers.

Production

Graham crackers are produced by mixing graham flour with water, oil, sweeteners, and leavening agents. The dough is then rolled out, cut into rectangles, and baked until crisp. Some manufacturers also add a sprinkling of coarse sugar to the top of the cracker for added sweetness.

Nutrition

Graham crackers are a source of carbohydrates, with a small amount of protein and fat. They also contain a modest amount of fiber due to the use of whole grain flour. However, the nutritional content can vary depending on the specific ingredients used in production.

See Also

• S'more
• Graham Diet
• Sylvester Graham
• Graham flour