About Hot Dogs
One of the most consumed foods every year is the hotdog. But without a direct link to any specific type of meat, the hot dog could be a mystery for anyone who eats it. What really goes into the creation of a hot dog? This answer and many more facts about hot dogs are interesting to the curious eater. Add this to my Recipe Box.
History
Because there is no official invention patent or declaration of the hot dog, it is hard to pinpoint the exact day or how hot dogs were invented. In the early 1900s, vendors selling sausages decided to put the "hot dogs" into buns because people would complain of hurt hands or the gloves used to hold the hot dogs would be stolen. The hot dog in a bun popularity spread and eventually hit its height at national baseball parks where it is still very popular today.
A cartoonist named Tad Dorgan actually coined the word "Hot Dog" in one of his cartoons, because the common names in the late 1800s and early 1900s was dachshund. The hot dog name has stuck ever since and it is now one of the most popular foods sold in America.
Types
Hot dogs are basically unseasoned sausages and they are made a variety of ways. The typical hot dog measure 6 inches in length, but some areas sell "foot long" hot dogs that measure 12 inches in length. You can also purchase mini-hotdogs that are used for appetizers or to create the popular "pigs in a blanket" recipe.
Hot dogs are made with a variety of meat and you can find variations on this at almost every grocery store. Some hotdogs are made with all chicken, all beef, or a mixture of beef, chicken, and pork. Every package is different, but the cheaper hot dogs will contain mostly chicken.
Function
When people purchase hot dogs from a store, there are a variety of methods that they can do to cook them. Some people actually eat them raw because most packages are fully cooked at the factory, but you can cook them using a variety of methods. You can boil them, microwave them, steam them, grilled them, or heat them with other foods.
People enjoy putting condiments on hot dogs. Some of the most popular additions to a hot dog include mustard, ketchup, chili, cheese, onions, and relish. Preferences tend to vary by geographic region.
Features
Hot dogs have become a part of the American lifestyle and are the focus of a popular eating contest every year. Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest takes place on July 4 on Coney Island in New York, the contestant who eats the most hot dogs in 12 minutes -- buns included -- is declared the winner.
The world's longest hot dog was created in Japan and measured at 196 feet. This hotdog also had an accompanying bun with it and various condiments.
Considerations
Due to high fat and sodium content, hot dogs could be unhealthy if eaten on a regular basis without proper exercise or diet. Some hot dogs are specially created for dieters and feature a lower salt content, but if you remain on a healthy diet and in good shape, a limited number of hot dogs should not cause problems.
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