Introduction: The Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
The peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a beloved staple in American cuisine. It is a simple yet satisfying sandwich that consists of peanut butter and jelly or jam spread between two slices of bread. It is a popular choice for lunchboxes, picnics, and quick meals. But who should we credit with inventing this classic sandwich?
Early History of Peanut Butter
Peanut butter has been around since ancient times, with the Aztecs and Incas grinding peanuts into a paste. However, it was not until the late 1800s that peanut butter as we know it was created. In 1895, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, a physician and health food enthusiast, created a peanut butter paste as a nutritious protein source for his patients. Peanut butter quickly became popular and was soon being sold in grocery stores.
Introduction of Jelly in the US
Jelly, on the other hand, has a shorter history in the United States. It was not until the mid-1800s that a process was developed to extract juice from fruit and turn it into a jelly-like substance. This process became popular in the United States, and jelly was soon being mass-produced and sold in jars.
The First Recorded PB&J Sandwich
The first recorded peanut butter and jelly sandwich was made in 1901 by a woman named Lizzie McLaughlin in the United States. However, the sandwich did not gain widespread popularity until later.
The Claims of Dr. George Washington Carver
Dr. George Washington Carver, a renowned scientist, claimed to have invented the peanut butter and jelly sandwich in 1921. He described the sandwich in a recipe book he wrote, which included several recipes using peanuts. However, there is no evidence to support his claim, and it is uncertain whether he even ate the sandwich himself.
The Story of Julia Davis Chandler
Another claim of inventing the peanut butter and jelly sandwich comes from Julia Davis Chandler, who wrote in a letter to the New York Times in 1963 that she had been making the sandwich since 1902 when she was a schoolgirl. Her recipe was slightly different, as she used toasted bread and added sugar to the peanut butter.
The Role of the US Military
During World War II, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches became popular with the military. They were included in soldiers’ rations, and the sandwich was a staple in mess halls. This helped to spread the popularity of the sandwich throughout the United States.
The Popularity of the PB&J Sandwich
The peanut butter and jelly sandwich became a popular choice for children’s lunches in the 1950s. It was a simple and affordable meal that was easy to make and transport. The sandwich remains a popular choice today, with an estimated 2 billion being consumed each year in the United States alone.
The Patent Controversy
In 1999, a man named Mark Frauenfelder filed a patent for a sealed crustless sandwich, which he called the "PB & Jeebies." The patent caused controversy and was eventually rejected, as the sandwich was too similar to existing sandwiches, including the peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Conclusion: Who Should We Credit?
While there are several claims to the invention of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it is impossible to know for sure who should receive credit. The sandwich likely evolved over time, with different people adding their own twists and variations. What is certain is that the sandwich has become a beloved part of American culture and cuisine.
The Future of PB&J
The peanut butter and jelly sandwich shows no signs of going out of style. It remains a popular choice for lunches, snacks, and quick meals. However, there are also new variations of the sandwich being created, such as grilled PB&J and PB&J sushi.
References and Further Reading
- "A Brief History of Peanut Butter" by Stephanie Butler, History.com
- "A Brief History of Jelly" by Rebecca Shapiro, Food & Wine
- "Who Made That Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich?" by Sam Roberts, The New York Times
- "The Great PB&J Patent Controversy" by Laura Northrup, Consumerist
- "10 Variations on the Classic Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich" by Meghan Splawn, The Kitchn
