Would Our Ancestors Appreciate Modern Non-Food Foods Like Hot Dogs and Chicken Nuggets?

When we think of non-food foods, such as chicken nuggets, hot dogs, and Moon Pies, it might be tough to consider them as true food. After all, they are processed and often seen as unhealthy. However, would our ancestors really find these foods out of place in their diet?

Calories and Nutrition

Prepared foods, whether it's a chicken nugget from McDonald's or a hot dog from any street vendor, still contain calories. Hamburger, whether it comes from a fast-food joint or a traditional restaurant, is, at its core, still a hamburger. Our ancestors valued food for its sustenance rather than labeling it as 'processed' or 'unhealthy.'

Negative Perceptions of Prepared Foods

Health issues can sometimes influence modern perspectives on foods. However, from a doctor's viewpoint, the emphasis seems to be on monitoring salt consumption, rather than obsessing over the type of food. It's both ironic and humorous to think of our ancestors happily consuming foot-long hot dogs loaded with onions and sourgrout, or munching on Moon Pies thinking they are relishing a delicacy, not junk.

The Wonder of Time Machine

Imagine our ancestors stepping into a time machine and witnessing modern processed foods. They would likely exclaim with amazement at the technologically advanced methods of processing and packaging food, which would remind them of a sort of magical transformation of raw materials into consumable delights. They would marvel at the convenience and the consistency of the taste.

Old and New Traditions

Many people's ancestors ate breaded fried chicken and various sausages and cured meats. The idea of boning chickens and cutting them into little pieces for kids wouldn't be shocking to them. They might be surprised by the finer grind and uniformity of hot dogs and synthetic sausage casings, but these would be minor revelations in a grand American food tapestry.

Historical Context

The hotdog, the distant descendant of the frankfurter, was invented in the 13th century. The idea of non-meat hotdogs is a bit unsettling, but the strict kosher hotdogs and guaranteed 100% beef ones would appeal to their sense of quality and tradition. The Moon Pie, an American confection created around 1916, would similarly intrigue them. Originally made from graham cracker and marshmallow, both of which were hand-made back then, the modern versions would be unfamiliar but not entirely out of place.

Modern Convenience and Innovation

Chicken nuggets, famously invented in the 1950s by a Food Science Professor from Cornell University, have come a long way. While the original versions used real chicken, the modern ones might be considered a step back for our ancestors who valued the freshness and quality of ingredients. However, they would appreciate the convenience of store-bought and ready-made food, something that was unimaginable in their time.

In conclusion, while our ancestors may have found it slightly peculiar to see modern processed foods like hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and Moon Pies, they would likely be fascinated by the technological advancements and the convenience they offer. What these foods lack in fresh, hand-crafted authenticity, they make up for in rapid production and consistent quality.