Frankfurters, also known as hot dogs, are named after Frankfurt, Germany, but may also be called wieners after Vienna. They can be made of pork or beef and are often served on buns. They can be cooked in various ways, but some contain high amounts of fat and salt. Lower salt, nitrate-free, and low-fat options are available.
Frankfurters, or franks, refer to hot dogs and likely got their name from the German origin of many different sausages. They are named after the city of Frankfurt, Germany, but may alternatively be called wieners and are named after the Austrian city of Vienna. You can call any hot dog a frankfurter, but sometimes a distinction is made between frankfurters and sausages.
Initially, frankfurters were probably made exclusively of pork, while sausages were a mixture of pork and beef. Today, frankfurters can be made exclusively from beef while pretzels can be made exclusively from pork. The two terms appear to have originated almost simultaneously in the language. Johann Georghehner is thought to have invented or named the hot dog a sausage, after the dachshund dog, and then brought his invention from Bavaria to Frankfurt, thus creating the name frankfurter, in the 1600s. However, some suggest that the frankfurter already existed in Germany and was invented closer to the 15th century.
The first time frankfurters were placed on sandwiches is also in dispute, but it most likely occurred in the United States in the late 19th century. They may perhaps have been first exhibited at the World’s Fair in 1893 in Chicago. You will find many discussions about the when and where of the hot dog’s invention by food historians and hot dog aficionados.
This brings us to modern frankfurters, which are about 6-8 inches (15.24-20.32 cm) long and are often made of ground beef and mild seasonings, packaged in wrappers. Girth is another variation. Some franks are long and skinny, while others are quite wide. Franks are often served on buns but some popular dishes that use hot dogs have different uses for them. For example, franks and beans are a popular dish to make at home or buy in cans at the local grocery store.
Franks are forgiving of sausages, with many different ways to cook them. You can boil them, steam them, bake them, grill them or fry frankfurters and any other type of hot dog. They are often sold in packs of around 8-12 dogs, but this varies by manufacturer. You can also buy them in bulk packages at department stores like Costco. They’re an economical choice, but some contain high amounts of fat and salt, as well as nitrates, so they may not be the healthiest everyday choice.
In some stores you can find lower salt, nitrate-free or low-fat frankfurters. You’ll also find that Kosher and even frank versions of chicken or turkey are available. Since they’re a popular staple, you can expect a wide selection of varieties and brands at most grocery stores across the United States.
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