The ‘oops’ that changed breakfast: how corn flakes were accidentally created
What To Know
- It all began in the late 19th century, when the Kellogg brothers embarked on a quest to create a nutritious and appetizing food for patients at their sanitarium.
- In 1876, he founded the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan, where he experimented with various food products to improve the health of his patients.
- The story of corn flakes is a testament to the power of experimentation, innovation, and serendipity in the world of food.
The story of corn flakes is a captivating tale of scientific experimentation, unexpected discoveries, and entrepreneurial spirit. It all began in the late 19th century, when the Kellogg brothers embarked on a quest to create a nutritious and appetizing food for patients at their sanitarium.
Dr. John Kellogg: The Health-Conscious Inventor
Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, a renowned nutritionist and physician, believed in the power of a plant-based diet for promoting health and well-being. In 1876, he founded the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan, where he experimented with various food products to improve the health of his patients.
The Birth of Sanitas Food Company
In 1878, Dr. Kellogg founded the Sanitas Food Company, with the goal of producing healthy and wholesome foods. One of their first products was granola, a baked mixture of oats, wheat, and corn. However, granola proved to be too hard for many patients to chew.
Experimenting with Corn
In 1894, Dr. Kellogg and his younger brother, Will Keith Kellogg, began experimenting with different ways to soften the texture of granola. They tried boiling, steaming, and baking corn, but none of these methods yielded the desired results.
A Serendipitous Discovery
One fateful day, Will Keith Kellogg accidentally left a pot of boiled corn on the stove overnight. When he returned in the morning, he found that the corn had become rubbery and pliable. Intrigued, he rolled out the corn and cut it into flakes.
The Birth of Corn Flakes
Dr. Kellogg tasted the corn flakes and was impressed by their light and crispy texture. He realized that these flakes could be a nutritious and appetizing alternative to granola. In 1895, the Kellogg brothers began serving corn flakes to their patients at the sanitarium.
Commercializing Corn Flakes
The corn flakes quickly gained popularity among the patients, and the Kellogg brothers soon began selling them to the public. In 1906, Will Keith Kellogg left the Sanitas Food Company and founded his own company, the Kellogg Company. He patented the process for making corn flakes and began mass-producing them.
The Rise of an American Breakfast Staple
Corn flakes quickly became a popular breakfast food in the United States and around the world. They offered a convenient and nutritious way to start the day, and their light and crispy texture made them appealing to people of all ages.
The Legacy of Corn Flakes
Today, corn flakes remain a staple in the American breakfast landscape. They have undergone various innovations and flavor enhancements over the years, but the basic recipe and process developed by the Kellogg brothers over a century ago remain largely unchanged.
The Impact of Corn Flakes
The discovery of corn flakes has had a profound impact on the way we eat breakfast. They have provided a convenient, nutritious, and delicious way to start the day for generations. The story of corn flakes is a testament to the power of experimentation, innovation, and serendipity in the world of food.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Who invented corn flakes?
A: Dr. John Harvey Kellogg and Will Keith Kellogg
Q: When were corn flakes discovered?
A: 1894
Q: What was the original purpose of corn flakes?
A: To provide a nutritious and appetizing food for patients at the Battle Creek Sanitarium
Q: What is the main ingredient in corn flakes?
A: Corn
Q: How are corn flakes made?
