When the average American bites into a delcious peanut butter and jelly sandwich, they often do not realize that this delicious treat is an American creation and tradition. No one can exactly pinpoint where or by who the peanut butter sandwich was created, but there are some clues that paint a pretty clear picture. Historians have not been able to find anything written about peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before the year 1940. During World War II, American soldiers were given peanut butter as well as jelly in their rations. It is believed that they combined the two to make a delicious sandwich. After the war when the soldiers returned to America, both the sales of peanut butter and the sales of jelly skyrocketed. Many believe that this indicated the birth of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Not only was the peanut butter and jelly sandwich created by Americans, it is also very heavily favored by them. Many American children grow up eating delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwiches almost daily. Their childhood memories are filled with the wonderful taste of the perfect blend of peanut butter and jelly dancing on their tongues as they prepare to go out and discover the world. No country in the world purchases and consumes more peanut butter than America, and much of this peanut butter is used to make sandwiches. It has been calculated that the average American child will eat 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by the time they graduate from high school.
Not only are peanut butter and jelly sandwiches delicious, but they are also generally healthier for you than a deli sandwich. Most deli sandwiches that contain deli meat, also have condiments and cheeses on them which contribute to the high fat and calorie content of these sandwiches. Also, both peaunut butter and jelly are non perishable, which means they do not have to be kept in a refridgerator to keep them from going bad. They are easy to pack in a lunch bag and not have to worry about them going bad, even on a hot day. Many people have even made delicious variations of this American tradition. Some of these include: peanut butter and banana sandwich, peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich, peanut butter and honey sandwich, and peanut butter and sugar sandwich. Some of these variations may seem strange to some, but the great thing about this sandwich is that anyone who wishes can create their own variation. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have been loved by Americans for decade, and will always remain an important part of the American diet.
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I do not believe that PB&J is an American tradition. When in fact the original PB&J came from Europe, or so I am told. My grandmother is from Europe and she always told my that as a child they would eat PB&J's all the time because they were poor and could not afford any other foods. The Jelly my dear great-grandmother made herself and the Peanut butter came from the factory my great-grandfather worked at most of his life. PB&J was seen as the poor mans food and my grandmother was made fun of at school for always having to eat it for lunch. Growing up my mom was never allowed to eat it because my grandmother was afraid that people would see them as a lower class family. PB&J came with the immigrants to American and all of the poor people ate it because that was all they could afford. It became a large staple for American families during the depression and that is when is originally became popularized. Everyone was poor then and that was all anyone could eat. I personally love the taste of a great PB&J but we have never been allowed to eat them at my grandmas house!
ReplyDeleteI have heard that PB&J was created by soldiers. Do not remember if I heard it in my history class in high school but I remember someone telling me about this tradition. The soldiers were tired of eating the same sandwiches so they thought about them combining the two of them together. After, the war was over and they came back they brought back the idea of this delicious sandwich. This treat is eating around the whole world. Kids love it so much that is a favorite lunch treat. I have heard about grilled and fried PB&J sandwiches. I have not tasted these and I do not want to. This ruins the whole tradition of the sandwich because it has been change to a more non healthy way.
ReplyDeletePersonally I absolutely love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They are a good way to fill your stomach and keep you energized. PB&J's have been a huge part in my life. I have eaten them since i can remember eating. I would eat them before school, for lunch, one after school, and most of these were double decker PB&J's. I know you put the variations of the sandwich, but i once saw a television cooking program of a guy making a peanut butter and jelly cake. A peanut butter and jelly cake just sounds like a natural aphrodisiac. It was very interesting to read that soldiers used to consume these sandwiches on the war front. Although many people are aware of this delectable treat, i do not believe it is an american treat, but rather known world wide.
ReplyDeletePB&J have been a huge part of my life. Being lactose intolerant and allergic to red meat, my diet can be extremely limiting. From being an avid Food Channel watcher, I agree with all three posts above mine that PB&J is a world known tradition, not just an American one (like baseball for example). It is seen in many places all around the world, with it’s own variations of course. But none-the-less, I think that it is extremely undermined by most people. It is, in fact, one of the most nutritious foods found in almost every American’s cabinet. Overall, I think this was a great post. It talked about a food most people overlook.
ReplyDeletegood job.
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