In the early 1900s, a growing nation was clamoring for better food. Traditional foods such as bread and cereal were available only to the wealthy at the time because they were time-consuming. Inventor Coit “Cory” Cornwell had a problem, though — his family didn’t always have money for breakfast. Fortunately, he wasn’t alone in this struggle. Corn Flakes were a solution for him and many others at the time. There are several reasons why Cornflakes are still part of American breakfast culture today. Read on to learn more!
Why Were Cornflakes Invented?
Cornflakes were invented in 1894 by physician and scientist John Harvey Kellogg. Kellogg was the superintendent of the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan, where he focused on promoting healthy eating habits to improve his patient’s health. He believed a bland diet would decrease people’s desire for alcohol, tobacco, and other vices.
What Is The History Of Cornflakes?
John Harvey Kellogg was born in 1852 in Battle Creek, Michigan. He started working as a doctor when he was just 22 years old. One of his patients was a young boy named Will Keith Kellogg. Will Keith Kellogg was the son of John Harvey Kellogg’s brother and was very sick.
Will Keith Kellogg had a disease called “ergotism,” a type of mental illness that causes extreme anxiety and paranoia. Ergotism is caused by eating grains that contain a fungus called Claviceps purpurea. This fungus grows on the grains and makes them poisonous.
John Harvey Kellogg was able to treat Will Keith Kellogg with a diet that consisted of lots of vegetables and water. This diet helped Will Keith Kellogg recover, and he eventually became a famous doctor himself. Will Keith Kellogg later changed his last name to “Kellogg” so people would not confuse him with his uncle John Harvey Kellogg.
John Harvey Kellogg’s diet proved to be very successful with other patients. He developed a diet called “granola” that consisted of cornflakes, raisins, nuts, and dried fruit. Granola was very popular, and others soon started making their versions.
John Harvey Kellogg developed the idea for cornflakes while he was traveling in Europe. He saw people eating flakes made from wheat flour and sugar. He thought that this type of cereal would be a great way to replace the gruel that his patients were eating.
John Harvey Kellogg started making cornflakes in 1894, and they became trendy very soon. Today, cornflakes are one of the most popular breakfast foods in the world.
How Were Cornflakes Invented?
- John Harvey Kellogg was a physician and scientist who focused on promoting healthy eating habits to improve his patient’s health.
- In 1894, while traveling in Europe, he saw people eating wheat flour and sugar flakes.
- He thought that this type of cereal would be a great way to replace the gruel that his patients were eating.
- He started experimenting with different grains and finally settled on corn.
- He cooked the cornmeal dough and then rolled it into thin sheets.
- The sheets were then baked until they were crispy and then broken up into small pieces.
- Cornflakes were born, and they quickly became popular.
- Kellogg continued to refine the recipe over time, adding sugar to make them more palatable for a wider audience.
- Today, cornflakes are one of the most popular breakfast foods in the world, enjoyed by millions of people every day.
- Kellogg also developed a diet called “granola” that consisted of cornflakes, raisins, nuts, and dried fruit. This diet was very successful with his patients and became popular among others.
Health Benefits Of Cornflakes
Cornflakes are a popular breakfast food low in fat, fiber, and essential nutrients. Here are some health benefits of cornflakes:
- Lowers Cholesterol: Cornflakes contain soluble fiber that helps to lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Cornflakes are fortified with vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folic acid that help to maintain good health.
- Provides Energy: Cornflakes are an excellent source of carbohydrates that provide energy to the body to perform daily activities.
- Promotes Digestion: The high fiber content in cornflakes promotes digestion and helps to prevent constipation.
- Weight Management: Cornflakes are low in calories and fat, making them ideal for people who want to manage their weight.
- Gluten-Free Option: People with gluten intolerance can enjoy cornflakes as they do not contain any gluten.
Cornflakes can be a healthy and convenient breakfast option for people who want to maintain a balanced diet and lead an active lifestyle. However, it is important to note that some brands of cornflakes may contain added sugars or artificial flavors, so it is always best to check the label and choose a brand that uses natural ingredients.
How To Make Cornflakes At Home?
Making cornflakes at home requires a few simple ingredients and some kitchen equipment. Here is a recipe for homemade cornflakes:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of cornmeal
– 1/2 cup of sugar
– 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
– 1 tsp of salt
– 3/4 cup of water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cornmeal, sugar, and salt.
- Add the vegetable oil and mix well.
- Gradually add the water while stirring until the mixture forms a dough.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts.
- Roll out each part on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
- Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into small squares or rectangles.
- Place the cut pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cornflakes are crispy and golden brown.
- Allow the cornflakes to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Final Words
Cornflakes are a healthy and convenient breakfast option that provides numerous health benefits. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals and low in calories, making them ideal for weight management. However, it is important to choose a brand that uses natural ingredients and avoid those with added sugars or artificial flavors.
FAQ’s
Q. Why are cornflakes vegan?
- Cornflakes are vegan because they are made from corn and other plant-based ingredients and do not contain any animal products or by-products.
Q. What is the purpose of cereal?
- Cereal is typically consumed as a breakfast food and provides energy, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to start the day. It can also be a convenient snack option for people on the go.
Q. Are cornflakes and milk healthy?
- Cornflakes and milk can be healthy and balanced breakfast options when consumed in moderation. They provide a combination of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals to help maintain energy levels throughout the day.
