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What you don’t know about White Castle’s famous sliders
White Castle, the iconic fast food chain known for its famous sliders, has a rich history and fascinating facts that many people are unaware of. From revolutionizing the fast food industry to unique cooking techniques, here are some fascinating details about White Castle and its beloved sliders.
They were the first fast-food hamburger
When we think of the history of fast food, McDonald’s often comes to mind. But White Castle actually predates the Golden Arches and holds the title of the world’s first fast-food hamburger chain. In 1921, Edgar Waldo “Billy” Ingram and Walter Anderson opened the first White Castle restaurant in Wichita, Kansas. They quickly expanded to other locations, introducing Americans to the concept of fast food and setting the stage for the success of future chains like McDonald’s.
There’s a reason the Castle is white
White Castle’s distinctive white buildings were not an accidental choice of color. When Ingram and Anderson ventured into the hamburger business in the 1920s, there were concerns about the quality and safety of processed meats. To assure customers of their commitment to cleanliness and high standards, they painted their buildings white and used stainless steel interiors, which symbolized both strength and cleanliness. The name “White Castle” was chosen to reflect this image, although “Stainless Steel Castle” was briefly considered.
They’re small for a reason
A notable feature of White Castle sliders is their small size. These petite burgers were intentionally designed to be thin and compact. By searing the burgers on both sides, White Castle seals in the flavor and achieves a faster cooking time. The thinness of the patties also allows for efficient production, as just one pound of beef can make 18 sliders. So the next time you order a case of 18 sliders, remember the ingenious design that makes it possible.
They stopped flipping their burgers
In the early days, White Castle flipped their burgers like traditional hamburgers. However, they later adopted a unique cooking method called “steaming.” Instead of flipping the burgers, they rest them on a bed of onions, allowing the heat to cook the patties through “onion steam”. This method not only imparts a delicious onion flavor, but also improves the overall juiciness of the sliders. While White Castle still uses spatulas for other purposes, they no longer flip their meat patties.
Their patties have a special design
To further improve cooking efficiency, White Castle introduced a special design for its meat patties. In the 1950s, a White Castle chef named Earl Howell suggested putting holes in the patties to speed up the cooking process. The holes allowed heat to penetrate the burger more quickly, resulting in faster and more even cooking. With the introduction of the five-hole patty, White Castle eliminated the need to flip burgers, streamlining operations and maintaining consistent quality.
The Onions
The onions used in White Castle sliders play a critical role in defining their unique flavor. While the process has changed over the years, onions remain a key component. In the early days, onions were freshly cut and spread on the grill. However, to simplify the process, White Castle now uses rehydrated onions, similar to those used in McDonald’s burgers or store-bought jarred onions. Each slider contains just under two ounces of onions, providing a perfect balance of flavor in every bite.
The burger contents
White Castle proudly claims to use “100 percent” beef in its sliders. However, this claim does not provide specific details about the cuts of beef used. Ground beef can come from different cuts of cattle, and the Department of Agriculture sets a maximum fat content of 30 percent. Each tiny slider contains 6 grams of fat, 2.5 grams of which is saturated fat. This information is important for those watching their fat and calorie intake, as a Crave case of 30 sliders equals nearly 4,200 calories.
They did a study to prove they were healthy
In the 1930s, hamburgers were often viewed with suspicion and considered unhealthy. To combat this perception, White Castle embarked on a unique study to scientifically prove the healthiness of its burgers. Co-founder Billy Ingram commissioned Professor Jesse McClendon of the University of Minnesota to conduct the study. A medical student named Bernard Flesche became the test subject, consuming only White Castle burgers and water for 13 weeks. The study concluded that people can thrive on a diet of White Castle burgers, leading to increased sales and public trust in the brand.
FAQS
White Castle sliders are famous for their unique taste, small size, and the restaurant’s historical significance as the first fast-food hamburger chain.
Why are White Castle’s burgers so small?
White Castle intentionally designed its sliders to be small for several reasons. The thin and compact size allows for faster cooking time, efficient production, and the ability to enjoy multiple sliders in one sitting.
How does White Castle cook its burgers?
White Castle uses a cooking method called “steaming”. Instead of flipping the burgers, they rest them on a bed of onions, allowing the heat to cook the patties through “onion steam”. This technique imparts a unique flavor and maintains the juiciness of the patties.
What is the significance of the White Castle building?
White Castle’s white buildings symbolize cleanliness and high standards. By painting the structures white and using stainless steel interiors, the founders wanted to assure customers of the pristine quality of their products.
Are White Castle sliders 100% beef?
White Castle claims to use “100 percent” beef in its sliders. However, the specific cuts of beef used are not disclosed. It’s important to note that each slider contains 6 grams of fat, 2.5 grams of which is saturated fat, which should be taken into consideration for those watching their fat and calorie intake.
What was the purpose of White Castle’s unique study?
White Castle conducted a study in the 1930s to combat the perception that hamburgers were unhealthy. The study was designed to scientifically prove the healthfulness of White Castle burgers, resulting in increased sales and public confidence in the brand.