Hamburger or a Beefburger? Box or a Plate?

What better symbolises the ever popular ‘street food’ than the humble burger? Today, burgers account for almost 60% of sandwiches eaten. Not a dish we instantly consider Italian although, as with many of the finest offerings of history, its origins can be traced back to the Romans. Whatever your preference – meat, chicken, vegan, spicy, cheesy, alone, with chips or salad, nowadays there is a burger for all appetites and budgets. QAR have the solution to packaging and eating with the eco-friendly burger boxes and burger meal boxes, which turn into plates for clean and easy eating.

These practical and versatile boxes from QAR are made from thick, unbleached, recycled board and are commercially compostable. The two sizes available accommodate single burgers or complete meals.

A recipe book dating from the end of the Roman empire includes a recipe for Isicia Omentata - what we would recognise today as a type of burger - minced meat, pine kernels, fish sauce, juniper berries, coriander and ground pepper, mixed together to form a patty, and fried. This was enjoyed alongside other Roman delicacies such as peacock tongues and fried mice!

Moving on, historically, geographically, and gastronomically - during the 18^th century Hamburg, Germany, was the centre of a thriving trade network and was famous for the Hamburg steak, known as the frikadelle or bulette. This was made from ground meat (pork or beef), with onions and spices added. It was formed into a patty and either cooked on a grill or flame, or served raw. Here saw the beginning of the Hamburger, eaten by billions worldwide (almost 50 billion are served annually in the USA alone!). Hopefully this answers the question for the many of us who ask - why a Hamburger when there is no ham? But why do we associate burgers so strongly with the USA?

German migrants who made their way to New York in the 19^th century were treated to some home comforts by outlets selling Hamburg steaks, the first reference being a menu from New York restaurant, Delmonico’s, in 1873. Many German immigrants also began to open restaurants around the USA and all put their own spin on the steak / burger. These steaks became increasingly popular with the locals.

National recognition came for the burger in a bun in 1904 at the St Louis World’s Fair – which also introduced Americans to such delights as peanut butter and cotton candy. Over time, the burger evolved to have added cheese, pickles, and relishes. White Castle – the world’s first burger chain led the way for McDonald’s (first opening in the UK in 1974), Wimpy, Burger King and the gourmet burger houses and outlets of today.

The idea of serving the burger in a sandwich, or bun, has been accredited to various burger makers and entrepreneurs, but was essentially to make eating the burger an easier and more pleasurable experience – just as QAR’s quality burger boxes and burger meal boxes are ideal for serving, and eating, the gourmet burgers of today.

Give us a call today to discuss your requirements.

Order Vegware Premium Burger Box

Order Vegware Premium Burger Meal Box