King of the lunchbox turns 125

King of the lunchbox turns 125
Jimbo,
Students From Heritage K 8 Charter School Enjoy Glasses Of Milk After Eating Parts Of 51 Foot Peanut Butter And Jelly Sandwich On National Peanut Butter And Jelly Day In Escondido
Students from Heritage K-8 Charter School enjoy glasses of milk after eating parts of a 51-foot (16m) peanut butter and jelly sandwich on National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day in Escondido, California April 2, 2014. REUTERS/Mike Blake (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY HEALTH EDUCATION)

The peanut butter and jelly sandwich is celebrating a pretty impressive milestone: 125 years of lunchbox fame. The first known PB&J recipe appeared in 1901 as a fancy tea sandwich for wealthy Americans, but the combo really took off once commercial peanut butter and sliced bread became widely available. Today, it’s still a school lunch favorite, although it’s evolved far beyond the classic white bread, peanut butter, and grape jelly version. Some people add pickles, potato chips, bacon, jalapeño jam, or even marshmallow fluff. Restaurants have gotten in on the action too, serving gourmet PB&J creations with everything from sourdough and croissants to foie gras. Through all the twists and upgrades, the humble PB&J remains one of America’s most nostalgic comfort foods.

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