Concept in Definition ABC

A piece of minced and processed meat, circular in shape and cooked on the grill or grill is a hamburger. Usually this food is presented in soft bread and is flavored with a wide variety of ingredients. Likewise, the hamburger can be tasted combined with other food (for example, bacon, eggs, or cheese). It is very common to consume it accompanied by potatoes and a soft drink.

A food that symbolizes globalization

It is very likely that in any country in the world we can consume a hamburger, as it has become a symbol of the globalized world. It is logical that this is the case, since it has a whole series of favorable characteristics: it is an economical food, of elaboration simple, of consumption fast, with powerful associated marketing and backed by the American way of life. These elements make the hamburger a very commercially competitive food product. In fact, if we think of other popular internationally known foods, these present a greater complexity and a higher price.

One aspect that complements its good image is the diversity of denominations it receives and its versatility when consuming it (you can eat it on foot, in a park, in the car, carry it in a cardboard box or make a telephone order).

The less friendly side of hamburgers

In principle, a hamburger is a food with a good image and a whole icon of western culture. However, in recent years this type of food (fast food) has been severely criticized. In the first place, the quality of the meat used and the manufacturing processes. Second, its high caloric content makes it considered an unhealthy meal, which is why the hamburger is understood as the prototype of the so-called junk food.

The criticisms against the hamburger imply a criticism of the American model of life based on consumerism, on a life centered on work and on the cost effectiveness. Thus, a simple hamburger is much more than a food. If someone claims that he does not eat them, he is not saying that he does not like their taste or their excess calories but who is most likely communicating that he does not share what the hamburger represents as an icon cultural.

Birth of this phenomenon

Emigrants of German origin who came to the United States in the 19th century introduced part of their gastronomy, specifically some steaks of meat cooked in the style of the city of Hamburg, where the name of hamburger comes from.

Photos: iStock - webphotographeer / kparis