Sophie Wilson//What Is Good?: Concepts: Sandwiches.

Sandwiches aren't just two pieces of bread with a tasty filling in the centre, oh no, sandwiches are a way of LIFE. Sandwiches are a lunchbox staple, with multiple food groups in one hand-held treat that fills a void just right- the perfect balance between carbohydrates, dairy, protein and vegetables. All hail the mighty sandwich.

So, here is the complication of my reasons and opinions as to why I think SANDWICHES are good.

20 REASONS WHY SANDWICHES ARE GOOD

1. They can (usually) fit in your pocket. Bit grim, I know, but pretty good in an emergency situation.

2. Much like trifle (another highlighted topic on this 'What Is Good?' blog), sandwiches are probably one of the most versatile foods available-there's something for everyone.

3. There are subsitute products make for people that suffer from wheat, gluten or dairy intolerances, aswell as vegetarian and vegan styles- no excuses here.

4. You can cut sandwiches into various shapes. Nerdy lunchtime fun for mathematicians and designers alike.

5. This: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dinosaur-Shaped-Sandwich-Cutter-Betterware/dp/B003D4SLBK

6. Nearly every type of condiment suits a sandwich- not too sure about treacle mind...

7. You can make your own, or buy them freshly prepared in a range of cafes, shops and supermarkets. You can never escape sandwiches.

8. There are both healthy and more indulgent options- I'm thinking salad sandwich vs peanut butter and chocolate spread. Great for yo-yo dieters!

9. They are quintessentially British- perhaps this is the best thing to ever come out of Britain?

10. They are quick and handy to eat- great for workers and lunchtimes on the go.

11. Sandwiches are eaten worldwide. Although they may have slightly different breads and fillings, it's an old familiar which can always be returned to.

12. The carbohydrates in bread can produce a slow-release of energy throughout the day, which will help to keep you more alert and focused.

13. Subway is a dedicated sandwich bar. Sandwiches are competing with the big boys (think pizza, burgers, sushi...)

14. No matter how young or old, sandwiches can be eaten by everyone- with something for the savoury and sweet lovers too.

15. Sandwiches are one of the quickest and easiest meals to make. An easy 5-minute job if you're in a rush.

16. In a sandwich you can express your individuality. GO NUTS. Just don't tell/show anyone if it's a particularly disturbing combination (banana and jam anyone?!...)

17. Presumably, sandwiches are like rats...you're never more than 10m away from one at any one time.

18. Every day can be a new, cultural experience with a sandwich, with hundreds of varieties of bread to choose from.

19. Cucumber sandwiches are a punchline in one of my all-time favourite plays, 'The Importance of being Earnest' by Oscar Wilde. Without the invention of sandwiches, the play may never have existed (obviously, this was the point that Wilde was inspired by...obviously...)

20. The crisp sandwich, in my humble opinion, is a gift from God.

20 FACTS ABOUT SANDWICHES

1. The first written usage of the English word appeared in Edward Gibbon's journal, in longhand, referring to "bits of cold meat" as a 'Sandwich'. It was named after John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, and 18th-century English aristocrat. It is believed that he ordered his valet to bring him meat tucked between two pieces of bread, when Montagu ordered "the same as Sandwich!". It is believed that Lord Sandwich chose this option as it allowed him to continue playing cards whilst eating without getting his hands greasy.

2. The sandwich's popularity in Spain and England increased dramatiically during the 19th century, when the rise of an industrial society and the working classes made fast, portable and inexpensive meals an essential.

3. In the U.S, the sandwich was first promoted as an elaborate meal at supper.

4. By the early 20th century, as bread became a staple of the U.S diet, the sandwich became the same kind of popular, quick meal that was available in the Mediterranean.

5. When the British first introduced the sandwich in India, the Indians called them double roti (डबल रोटी). This term has today become the broad term for all type of leavened bread even not put in a sandwich arrangement.

6. The term sandwich is occasionally used (informally) in reference to open-faced sandwiches; these normally consist of a single slice of bread topped with meat, salad vegetables, and various condiments.

7. In Spain, where the word sandwich is borrowed from the English language, it refers to a food item made with English sandwich bread. It is otherwise known as a bocadillo.

8. The verb to sandwich has the meaning to position anything between two other things of a different character, or to place different elements alternately, and the noun sandwich has related meanings derived from this more general definition. For example, an ice cream sandwich consists of a layer of ice cream between two layers of cake or cookie. Similarly, Oreos and Custard Creams are described as sandwich cookies because they consist of a soft filling between layers of cookie.

9. The word "butty" is often used in Northern areas of the United Kingdom as a synonym for "sandwich," particularly in the name of certain kinds of sandwiches such as a chip butty, bacon butty, or sausage butty.

10. "Sarnie" is a similar colloquialism, as is the Australian English colloquialism "sanger".

11. The open-faced sandwich also has a history differing from that of the true sandwich, having originated between the 6th and 16th centuries, with stale slices of bread used as plates called "Trenchers" (whereas its relative, the modern sandwich, traces its roots to the Earl of Sandwich instead).

12. The British sandwich market bought ‘on the go’ is currently worth £2.8 billion

13. People in Yorkshire spend the most on sandwiches – an average of over £114 a year

14. Over 62% of the population buy a sandwich at least once a year

15. Over 30% of all sandwiches sold have chicken as a filling

16. An average of 4.2 sandwiches are eaten at home, per person, every week in Britain

17. The most popular sandwich fillings in the pre-prepared sandwich market are:

Chicken (24%)
Fish (18%) (mostly tuna and prawns)
Cheese (15%)
Ham (12%)
Bacon (10%)
Egg (7%)
Sausage (3%)
Other (12%)

18. Top Home Sandwcih Fillings:

Cheese
Ham
Poultry
Jam/sweet spreads
Hot bacon
Tuna

19. Over 19.7% of sandwiches are bought in work (work canteens and staff shops etc)

20. One third of the market in value is accounted for by 25-34 year olds

20 WORDS ASSOCIATED WITH SANDWICHES

1. Bread

2. Butter

3. Spread

4. Granary

5. Food

6. Carbohydrates

7. Tasty

8. Crumbs

9. Homemade

10. BLT

11. Salad

12. Cheese

13. Pickle

14. Branston

15. Marmite

16. Jam

17. Picnic

18. Lunchbox

19. School Days

20. Peanut Butter

20 OPINIONS OF SANDWICHES

(In reponse to the question 'What's your favourite sandwich filling?' on Yahoo Answers)

1. Tomatoes- Eddie, via Yahoo Answers.

(In response to the previously asked question 'Favourite Sandwich?' by sharripoos22 on Yahoo Answers)

2. Peanut butter and banana is soo good! But the absolute best sandwich is: Baguette, Steak, Avacado, A little mayo, a lot of white cheddar cheese. It is really amazing- Jamie.S, via Yahoo Answers.

3. Egg, mayo and bacon- D, via Yahoo Answers.

4. Ham, Salami, and pepperoni with pepper jack cheese, lettuce, pickles, mayonnaise, and honey mustard on toasted white submarine bread- Vassili, via Yahoo Answers.

5. Turkey, bacon & avocado on wheat bread- Amy W, via Yahoo Answers.

6. Tomato sandwich. Two slices of firm ripe red tomato. Two slices of bread. Put mayo on both slices of bread. Insert tomato slices, cut diagonally and voila! Yummy, refreshing and delicious- K M, via Yahoo Answers.

7. Put a toasted bagel and put in bacon, tomato, cheese and some lettuce. There would might have a hamburger?- Pozzy, via Yahoo Answers.

8. Turkey- Reo180, via Yahoo Answers.

9. Bacon, peanut butter, and jelly on toast- PJ, via Yahoo Answers.

10. Monte cristo sandwich just the absolute best- Kate T., via Yahoo Answers.

11. BLT with sliced avocado- TX2step, via Yahoo Answers.

(In response to the previously posted question 'What's your favourite sandwich filling?' by chelle0980 via Yahoo Answers)

12. I love tuna mayonniase and sweetcorn- lou, via Yahoo Answers.

13. Today it's chicken and avocado- murphy, via Yahoo Answers.

14. Cheese and pickle- ROBIN HOOD, via Yahoo Answers.

15. Tuna, mayo & chopper capers, on granary- yum!- jet-set, via Yahoo Answers.

16. Salami, Gherkin and sour cream- wildbee, via Yahoo Answers.

17. Egg mayo and bacon, but only when freshly made from the sandwich shop- beanie, via Yahoo Answers.