Graham Crackers:
Graham crackers were invented in 1829 by Sylvester Graham hence the name Graham Crackers. These crackers are made from special flour similar to whole wheat flour but are coarse-grained. Graham Crackers are well known for their crunch.
Why was Graham Crackers invented?
You think that graham crackers were invented for making chocolate and marshmallow sandwiches. Continue reading this article to explore the main reason. You’ll get to know the intentions while creating these crackers.
People created Graham crackers to control a person’s sexual desires. Sylvester Graham was a health freak. He preached about maintaining a healthy diet and temperance. Graham believes that carnal desires are meant to activate by eating rich fatty foods. Further, he thought that the bread (at that time) was causing illness. Graham believed lust could cause diseases such as pulmonary ingestion, spinal disorders, epilepsy, blindness, insanity, and early death. He recommends a plant-based diet to curb physical arousal. So he invented it by using whole wheat flour.
History of Graham Crackers:
The bread during Victoria’s reign is unhealthy. A historical documentary on BBC revealed that Victorian bakers used chalk, iron sulfate, and plaster of Paris in their bread to make it as white as possible. None of these ingredients is edible and safe. Sylvester Graham was strictly against bread. He promoted an active lifestyle. People will know him for advocating a healthy lifestyle and promoting moral values. Graham advised Grahamites (followers of Sylvester Graham) to eat a wholegrain diet, fruit and veggies. People often reference Sylvester Graham as the “father of vegetarianism.” He created this to save people from physical arousal and masturbation. His research concluded that a vegetarian diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, limited dairy, and bland starches would end hypersexual behavior.
The origin of the Graham cracker is the United States. This invention has had a lasting impact on the culinary landscape of the Philippines. People initially knew them as Graham bread. Graham marketed whole wheat flour. Original Graham crackers were not delicious. Many companies, such as the National Biscuit Company(Nabisco), have modified the recipe to make it tasty and appealing with added brown sugar. Modern Graham crackers use hydrogenated vegetable oils from soybean and cottonseed ingredients.
Nutrition Value of Graham Crackers:
Although nutritional value varies depending on the brand and whole grain content used, here is the trusted nutrients quantity of an ounce ( two full cracker sheets) of Graham crackers:
| Nutrients | Per Ounce (28 grams) |
| Calories | 122 |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrate | 22 g |
| Fibre | More than 1 gram |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Sodium | 146 mg |
| Magnesium | 9% DV |
| Selenium | 11% DV |
| Niacin | 27% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Is Graham Cracker healthy or not?
Today, various brands sell them. These brands alter them with different flavors and added sugars. People consider this new version to be unhealthy.
Modern Graham crackers are not ideal for daily snacking, but you can take them off and on. They mainly contain carbohydrates and a moderate amount of sodium. They do not have any cholesterol and are low in fat, calories, and proteins. The original Graham crackers can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues; You can combine them with other foods to mix extra nutritional benefits and enhance the taste. People often combine nut or seed butter, fresh or dried fruit, and cheese to make a delicious snack. You can serve them with toppings like chia seeds, flaxseed, raisins, cacao nibs, etc. Many people use it as a topping for ice cream and other foods. ,
How to make Graham crackers at home?
Perhaps you are unsatisfied with branded crackers and want to make homemade ones. Then heat your oven; here’s a healthy yet delicious recipe.
Required Ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour 2 cups
- Light brown sugar 1 cup
- Cinnamon 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda one teaspoon
- Salt ¾ teaspoon
- Butter 7 tablespoons (room temperature)
- Whole milk, three tablespoons
- Honey ⅓ cup
- Vanilla extract two teaspoon
Step By Step Instructions:
- Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl, i.e., flour, soften brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add butter to the bowl and mix. It will take the form of a coarse breadcrumb.
- Take a jug and add milk, honey, and vanilla extract. Whisk together.
- Add this mixture to the bowl slowly and knead to form a dough.
- Cover the bowl and leave it at rest for almost one hour
- Well-floured the surface and rolled out the dough with a rolling pin til its width was ¼ approx.
- Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into small rectangles. Use a fork to create a knife line in the middle and small holes on the surface.
- Set the cookie-baking dish with parchment paper.
- Gently transfer the cookies to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the cookies at 350°F (180°C) for 10-12 minutes
Cool them at room temperature, and enjoy. You can store them in an air-tight container for up to 5 days. You can use them for toppings, pie crust, and deserted sandwiches.
