Graham flour

Graham Crackers

Graham crackers are a type of biscuit made from 'graham flour'. They are named after Sylvester Graham, a minister who was an early advocate for dietary reform. Graham crackers are commonly used in the United States as an ingredient in desserts, such as pie crusts and smores.

History

Sylvester Graham, a 19th-century minister, developed the original recipe for graham crackers 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. His followers, known as Grahamites, adhered to his diet and lifestyle recommendations.

Production

Graham crackers are made from graham flour, a type of flour that is not refined and includes all parts of the wheat kernel. The crackers are sweetened, often with honey or molasses. They are typically baked until they are hard and crunchy.

Uses

Graham crackers are often used in baking. They are a key ingredient in many pie crust recipes, particularly for cheesecake and key lime pie. They are also used to make the popular campfire treat, smores, where they sandwich a piece of chocolate and a roasted marshmallow.

Nutritional Value

Graham crackers are a source of whole grains, and as such, they provide dietary fiber. However, they also contain added sugars, which can contribute to increased calorie intake if consumed in excess.

See Also

• Sylvester Graham
• Graham Diet
• Smores
• Pie Crust