Graham cracker
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The graham cracker originated in the United States by Rev. Sylvester Graham, a Presbyterian minister, in the early 1800s as a "health food". Originally made solely with graham flour, many modern imitation Graham crackers contain no graham flour at all, and are based on bleached, refined white flour, which the Rev. Graham implacably opposed.
His original "Graham bread" was the centerpiece of a vegetarian diet created with the intent of suppressing carnal urges, which he believed were the source of many maladies. He also warned that ketchup and mustard caused insanity. He gained many followers, who set up boardinghouses in cities including New York and Boston, where his vegetarian diet was observed.
Graham crackers have long since ceased to be considered a health food, but they have remained popular as a snack food. Today, graham crackers are made with much greater amounts of sugar and other sweeteners than used in the original recipe. Cinnamon is also commonly added to graham cracker mix to enhance the flavor.
Graham crackers are essential ingredients for various popular snack foods, including moon pies and s'mores.
See also: Digestive biscuit
External links
- "Is it true graham crackers were invented to cure the dread fever of lust?" (http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_053.html) on The Straight Dope website