The Food That Built America Snack Sized Season 1 Episode 14 A Burger Is Born

In season 1 episode 14 of The Food That Built America Snack Sized, titled "A Burger Is Born," viewers are taken on a journey through the origin story of the classic American dish: the hamburger. Starting in the late 19th century, the episode examines the rise of meatpacking barons such as Gustavus Swift and J. Ogden Armour, who used new technology to revolutionize the meat industry and mass-produce ground beef.

The episode also delves into the history of the hamburger bun, tracing its origins to a small bakery in New Haven, Connecticut. As hamburger popularity spread, several fast food chains emerged, including White Castle and McDonald's, who both claimed to have invented the modern-day burger. The episode explores the fierce competition between these two chains and how they each contributed to the burger's prevalence in American culture.

Additionally, the episode highlights the impact of the burger's rise in popularity on American society, particularly in terms of dietary changes and the emergence of a fast food culture. Throughout the episode, interviews with culinary historians and food experts provide insights into the ways in which the hamburger has become a quintessential symbol of American cuisine.

Overall, "A Burger Is Born" provides a rich look into the history and cultural significance of one of America's favorite foods. Viewers are transported back in time to witness the birth of the hamburger and the impact it has had on American society over the past century.