Interesting facts about hot dog that will surprise you

Running late? Just grab a hot dog and rush to work. However, did you know that the backyard barbecue staple is actually European? No doubt it seems very easy to have a hot dog when you please but, do you know what it’s made of? If not, then here are some quick facts about the hot dog!

Experts say hot dogs probably had their origin in Vienna, Austria, or Frankfurt, Germany. Though sausages were mentioned in Homer’s The Odyssey, and Emperor Nero’s chef Gaius, is said to have prepared them for his ruler. Centuries later, someone got the idea to put the meaty treats inside the bun, but who? Several theories have been put forward but there is no final conclusion till now.

The primary ingredient in hot dogs is the meat. Hot dog makers use chicken, pork or beef meat pounded and made into sausages along with garlic, salt, paprika, and other spices and binders as ingredients.

As per American meat trade association’s official etiquette guide for hot dog-eating it’s to top your frank with the red sauce if you’re over 18 years old, and pretentious to consume it with utensils. This is what you should do- eat every part of the hot dog, pair it with simple drinks and sides, and always lick off any condiments that you find on your fingers.

According to a survey, most people like to garnish their hot dogs with mustard. However, ketchup is the second most lovable topping.

Believe it or not, astronauts on the Apollo 7 mission in 1968 didn’t really like the freeze-dried ice cream they were to be served in space. The food was removed from the space program, and it eventually found a home in museum gift shops. However, one classic meal item that later crew members enjoyed was the ‘ hot dog’.

People who suffer from high blood pressure should avoid having hot dogs as they contain a high amount of sodium and fat. Your daily quota for sodium should be less than 1,500 milligrams per day.

In 2014, the world’s most expensive hot dog was sold in Seattle, Washington, for as high as $169. The cheese bratwurst was doused in butter Teriyaki grilled onions, Maitake mushrooms, wagyu beef, foie gras, black truffles, caviar, and Japanese mayonnaise on a brioche bun.