SAO (biscuit) facts for kids
Two SAO crackers
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| Type | Snack food |
|---|---|
| Owner | Arnott's Biscuits Holdings |
| Country | Australia |
| Introduced | 1904 |
SAO biscuits are a popular type of savoury cracker. They were first made in Australia in 1904 by a company called Arnott's. The name SAO was officially registered that same year. These crackers are known for their light, crispy texture and are a favourite snack for many people.
Contents
What Are SAO Biscuits?
SAO biscuits are a kind of cracker that tastes a bit salty, making them "savoury." They are flat and square, with small holes on the surface. These holes help the biscuit cook evenly and become extra crispy. SAO biscuits are often enjoyed as a quick snack.
How People Eat SAO Biscuits
People often eat SAO biscuits with different toppings. A very common way is to spread butter or margarine on them. Many Australians also add Vegemite, a dark, salty spread, for a classic taste. You can also put other things on them, like cheese, jam, or even sliced fruit.
SAO biscuits were also a popular base for making a dessert called vanilla slice at home in Australia. This sweet treat usually has a creamy vanilla filling between two layers of pastry or biscuit.
The Story Behind the SAO Name
The exact reason for the name "SAO" is a bit of a mystery. There are a couple of interesting ideas about how the biscuit got its name.
The Salvation Army Officer Idea
One popular belief is that "SAO" stands for "Salvation Army Officer." This idea suggests the biscuit was named after Arthur Arnott. Arthur was one of the Arnott brothers who helped run the company. He was also an officer in the Salvation Army, a well-known charity organization.
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The Salvation Army in Australia has mentioned this story on their website. They call it "Arguably Fact," meaning it's a strong possibility. They say it's "understood" the biscuits were named to honour Arthur.
The Sailing Boat Idea
Another story about the name comes from a book written in 1993 called The Story of Arnott's Famous Biscuits. In this book, Ross Arnott, a family member, shares a different idea. He says that his great-grandfather, William Arnott, who started the Arnott's company, saw a sailing boat on Lake Macquarie.
William Arnott supposedly liked the boat's name so much that he said, "That would make a good name for a biscuit." This suggests that "SAO" might have been the name of that sailing boat. Both stories are interesting, but the true origin of the name remains a bit of a puzzle!
