National Sandwich Day – November 3, 2022, history, significance
Celebrated annually on November 3, National Sandwich Day is one of our favorite holidays. The sandwich is believed to be the namesake of John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, following the claim that he invented the first ever sandwich. As one of America’s most popular lunch items, this day gives us a great reason to enjoy a sandwich.
History of National Sandwich Day
The origin and the founder of National Sandwich Day are still unknown. The exact invention and the first use of sandwiches are still unknown, but the modern sandwiches are believed to be named after John Montagu when his assistants put some chicken between two pieces of bread as a way for the Earl to consume his meal while gambling.
It was explained in a contemporary travel book titled “Tour to London”, by Pierre Jean Grosley, which formed the popular myth that bread and meat sustained the Lord Sandwich at the gambling table. It is said that Lord Sandwich was a very conversant player and he did not take the time to have a meal when he plays at the card table.
When he feels hungry, he would ask his servants to bring him the slices of meat between two slices of bread. It leads to a habit that was known to his gambling friends, and they started began to order “the same as the sandwich,” and from then, the sandwich was born. Montagu – also known as the 4th Earl of Sandwich – quickly discovered, there is something quite delicious about the food creation that now bears his name
NATIONAL SANDWICH DAY TIMELINE
1762
The Earl of Sandwich
John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, names the sandwich after his town in the county of Kent.
1929
Po’ Boy For Poor Boys
The Po’boy is created by two brothers who own a sandwich shop in New Orleans to feed hungry workers on strike during the Great Depression.
1965
Eat Fresh
Subway is founded on August 28 in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
2006
What is a Sandwich?
A court in Boston, Massachusetts rules that a sandwich includes at least two slices of bread, and does not include burritos, tacos, and quesadillas, as they are typically made with a single tortilla.
BY THE NUMBERS
4th — The Earl of Sandwich, after whom the sandwich was named.
1762 — the year when the word ‘sandwich’ was first used by Edward Gibbon.
12 billion — the number of sandwiches consumed every year in the U.K.
5,440 pounds — the weight of the world’s largest sandwich.
2008 — the year when Iran attempted to beat the record for the world’s biggest sandwich, but failed.
£345 — the price of the most expensive sandwich ever, created by Chef Tom Bridge
1,500 — the number of PB&J sandwiches consumed by the average American before they graduate high school.
607 — the record for the most sandwiches prepared simultaneously, achieved by the British Sandwich Association (U.K.)
$28,000 — the price of the most expensive sandwich ever sold, a grilled toast sandwich
NATIONAL SANDWICH DAY ACTIVITIES
Make someone a sandwich
Give a sandwich to a loved-one, friend, or a complete stranger you pass on the street. Spread the love, because it doesn’t have to be a cold-cut world out there.
Make it your own way
Pick one of the many sandwich recipes online, go to your local deli or grocery store to buy the ingredients, and handle business.
Cruise over to your local deli
You’ll be amazed at all the delis you’ll find nearby. Enjoy a finely crafted sandwich at your fingertips.
5 FACTS ABOUT SANDWICHES THAT WILL MAKE YOU GRAB ONE RIGHT NOW
The anatomy of a sandwich
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a sandwich must contain at least 35% cooked meat and no more than 50% bread.
Elvis Presley was a fan
Presley flew to Denver just to pick up his favorite sandwich; a Fool’s Gold Loaf.
A sandwich is good sustenance
In 1927, MGM’s lion was in a plane crash and survived on milk, water, and sandwiches.
A fine delicacy
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were originally only for the upper class.
In season
McDonald’s restaurants on Canada’s east coast have a seasonal ‘McLobster’ sandwich.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL SANDWICH DAY
It’s a great to-go meal
For those constantly on the go, a beautifully crafted sandwich is always the best choice. So feel free to scarf down a sambo while walking to pilates and sharing that same sambo on Tik-Tok.
Familiarity
When we go out to eat, nothing says continuity more than a sandwich. No matter where you go, if you order a ham and cheese, you know exactly what you’re going to get.
They’re delicious
Looking to have your mind blown? The possibilities are endless as you create your own combination of meats, cheese, Looking to have your mind blown? The possibilities are endless as you create your own combination of meats, cheese, vegetables, seasonings, and sauces to have your sandwich your way. Yes please, with some aioli spread on top., seasonings, sauces to have your sandwich your own way. Yes please, with some aioli spread on top.
