Independence Day Dining: Fourth Of July Food Facts Slideshow
Hot Dog Hogs
According to TIME Magazine, Americans eat 20 billion hot dogs per year. That averages out to about 70 hot dogs per person, each year. On July 4, Americans consume 155 million hot dogs on that day alone, more than any other day during the year.
Get Grilling
The Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association reports that the Fourth of July traditionally tops the list of the most popular grilling holidays, beating out Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Father's Day. And 87 percent of all American homes have an outdoor grill — that's a lot of grilling!
Chicken Cravings
The week before official Fourth of July activities, 700 million pounds of chicken are bought, according to US Census Bureau. Good thing there are countless ways to prepare the poultry staple; click here for some easy chicken Daily Meal favorites.
Star Spangled Drinking Anthem
Legend has it that the tune for the national anthem was in fact a drinking song — the melody that Francis Scott Key put his patriotic lyrics to was actually a famous bar tune praising wine. Bar melodies were recycled over and over for varying celebrations in the 1800s, and Key put his American praise to the tune of an infamous bar jig.
White House Party
According to the History.com, Americans have been technically celebrating Independence Day on July 4 since 1777, but an official event at the White House wasn't held until 1801, when President Thomas Jefferson opened up the White House to the public. Jefferson held a huge party, opening the White House to American citizens and serving "bowls of punch and plates of sweets." Continuing Jefferson's tradition to this day, Fourth of July celebrations at his personal residence, Monticello, also are open to the public.
Number One U.S. Beer-Drinking Holiday
According to the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Association, the Fourth of July is America's number one occasion to buy, serve, and drink beer. Nationwide, it beats out Memorial Day, Labor Day, and even Super Bowl Sunday. Be careful when handling sparklers this Fourth of July.
Apple Pie
Apple pie is synonymous with the word "America" as well as "Fourth of July." Considered a typical American dessert, it is no wonder apple pie places first as the most-craved Independence Day dessert. To spice up your apple pie this Fourth of July, click here!
1776 Calories
Did the Founding Fathers predict correctly? A study by Thatsfit.com shows that Fourth of July menus can rack up as much as 1,667 calories — which could literally take hours to run off. Eat mindfully this holiday!
Proud to Be an American, Where at Least I Know My Meat
According to statistics from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, there's a one in six chance that the beef, burgers, hot dogs, and steak grilling on your barbecue came from Texas. The Lone Star State is the leader in the production of cattle and calves, with more than 6.5 billion pounds.
Bean Town
Everybody loves a warm side of beans to accompany hot dogs and other traditional Fourth of July fare. While chowing down on baked beans this Fourth of July, know that they probably came from North Dakota, which produced 34 percent of the nation's beans, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Similarly, as you nibble on your buttery corn on the cob, look to Florida, California, Georgia, Washington, and New York for growing 66 percent of the fresh market sweet corn produced nationally.