Hot Dog Weiner History and Recipes

Hot dogs have a rich history dating back to 13th century Frankfurt, Germany, where a similar sausage called the "dachshund sausage" or "little dog" was served.

The modern hot dog, however, is credited to German immigrant Charles Feltman, who opened the first hot dog stand in Coney Island, Brooklyn, in 1871.

The history of hot dogs is a fascinating tale that spans centuries. Sausage, one of the oldest forms of processed food, has its roots in ancient times, dating back to the 9th Century B.C. in Homer's Odyssey.

The origins of the frankfurter are disputed, with Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany, and Coburg, Germany, both claiming to be the birthplace of the popular sausage. Johann Georghehner, a butcher, is said to have created the "dachshund" or "little-dog" sausage in the late 1600s.

The term "wiener" is used by the people of Vienna, Austria, to prove their claim as the birthplace of the hot dog. However, it's likely that the North American hot dog comes from a widespread common European sausage brought here by butchers of several nationalities.

The first Coney Island hot dog stand was opened by Charles Feltman, a German baker, in 1871. He sold 3,684 dachshund sausages in a milk roll during his first year in business.

The year 1893 was a significant date in hot dog history, as the Colombian Exposition brought hordes of visitors to Chicago who consumed large quantities of sausages sold by vendors.

Hot dogs are a staple at many barbecues and picnics, but have you ever wondered what's really in them? Mechanically separated turkey is a common ingredient, which is made by forcing bones and edible tissue through a sieve under high pressure.

Hot dogs can contain a significant amount of water, but they must be less than 10 percent water according to the USDA. Salt is also a major component, with each hot dog containing about 20 percent of the recommended daily allotment.

Some hot dogs may also contain sodium phosphates, which can be used as a food preservative or to add texture, and sodium erythorbate, a preservative that helps keep meat-based products pink.

For more insights, see: Hot Dog Flavored Water

Hot dogs are a staple at many summer barbecues, but have you ever stopped to think about what's really in them? Hot dogs can contain a surprising amount of ingredients, including mechanically separated turkey, which is a paste-like product made from forcing bones through a sieve under high pressure.

Mechanically separated turkey can be present in hot dogs in "any amount", according to the USDA. This is a bit unsettling, to say the least. I've had hot dogs at many backyard barbecues, and I never thought about what was really in them.

Pork is another common ingredient in hot dogs, which can be taken off the bone using advanced meat recovery machinery. This machinery separates the edible tissue from the inedibles without smashing the bone, as per 1994 USDA rules. I've had pork chops before, but I never thought about how they were processed.

Hot dogs must be less than 10 percent water, according to the USDA. This is a pretty specific requirement, but it makes sense given how dense hot dogs are. I've had my fair share of hot dogs, and I can attest that they're pretty packed with ingredients.

Some hot dogs contain sodium phosphates, which can be used as a food preservative or to add texture. These preservatives can be a concern for some people, especially those with sensitive stomachs. I've had hot dogs before, but I've never thought about the preservatives that might be in them.

Sodium erythorbate is another ingredient that's commonly found in hot dogs. It's a preservative that helps keep meat-based products pink and can replace the use of sulfites in some foods. Some people report side effects from consuming sodium erythorbate, including dizziness and gastrointestinal issues. I've never experienced any side effects from eating hot dogs, but I do try to eat them in moderation.

Hot dogs can also contain extractives of paprika, which can give them a red color and increase their shelf life. This is a pretty interesting ingredient, and it's not something you'd typically think about when eating a hot dog. I've had hot dogs at many different restaurants and barbecues, and I've never thought about the paprika that might be in them.

A fresh viewpoint: Hot Dog Eating Contest

Rhett's pick for a fancy hot dog is the Wagyu Beef Hot Dog from Snake River Farms, which they both agreed had a great snap and incredible flavor.

This hot dog is made from Wagyu beef, a type of high-end beef known for its rich flavor and tender texture.

Rhett joked that it's for people who have class, implying that it's a premium product.

Link argued that it has too pure of a flavor for a hot dog, but Rhett and he both agreed it's worth trying for a special occasion.

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