The graham cracker originated in the United States by Rev. Sylvester Graham, a Presbyterian minister, in the early 1800s as a "health food". Originally made solely with graham flour, many modern imitation graham crackers contain no graham flour at all, and are based on bleached, refined white flour, which the Rev. Graham implacably opposed. Media:Example. ... Sylvester Graham (July 5, 1794 - September 11, 1851) was born in Suffield, Connecticut, and was ordained in 1826 as a Presbyterian minister. ... Presbyterianism is part of the Reformed churches family of denominations of Christian Protestantism based on the teachings of John Calvin which traces its institutional roots to the Scottish Reformation, especially as led by John Knox. ... Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... Healthful eating is the act of following a balanced nutritional diet. ... Graham flour is a type of whole wheat flour. ...

His original "Graham bread" was the centerpiece of a vegetarian diet created with the intent of suppressing carnal urges, which he believed were the source of many maladies. He also warned that ketchup and mustard caused insanity. He gained many followers, who set up boardinghouses in cities including New York and Boston, where his vegetarian diet was observed. Organic Ketchup, a 21st century condiment Ketchup (or catsup) is a popular condiment, usually made with ripened tomatoes. ... For the plant and spice of the same name, see the article on mustard. ... The Scream, the famous painting commonly thought of as depicting the experience of mental illness. ... State nickname: The Empire State Other U.S. States Capital Albany Largest city New York City Governor George Pataki (R) Senators Charles Schumer (D) Hillary Rodham Clinton (D) Official languages None (English is de facto) Area 141,205 km² or 54,556 square miles (27th)  - Land 122,409 km²  - Water... Alternative meanings: Boston (disambiguation) The 18th-century Old State House in Boston is surrounded by tall buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries. ... Vegetarian cuisine is cookery of food that meets vegetarian principles. ...

Graham crackers have long since ceased to be considered a health food, but they have remained popular as a snack food. Today, graham crackers are made with much greater amounts of sugar and other sweeteners than used in the original recipe. Cinnamon is also commonly added to graham cracker mix to enhance the flavor. A snack food is seen in Western culture as a type of food not meant to be eaten as a main meal of the day (breakfast, lunch, supper). ... In general use, sugar is taken to mean sucrose, also called table sugar or saccharose, a disaccharide which is a white crystalline solid. ... Binomial name Cinnamomum zeylanicumBlume Cassia (Indonesian cinnamon) is also commonly called (and sometimes sold as) cinnamon. ...

Graham crackers are essential ingredients for various popular snack foods, including moon pies and s'mores. A moon pie is a modern-day pastry food, invented during the first half of the 20th century. ... A smore is a traditional campfire treat consisting of a roasted marshmallow and a slab of chocolate, sandwiched between two pieces of Graham cracker. ...

See also

• Digestive biscuit
• The Graham Diet

A digestive biscuit is a semi-sweet biscuit known for its qualities that enable it to be easily digested. ... The Graham Diet was a 19th century diet based mainly on whole wheat, which excluded meat. ...

External links

• "Is it true graham crackers were invented to cure the dread fever of lust?" on The Straight Dope website
• Information on Graham Flour and recipes