Do Diagonally Cut Sandwiches Actually Taste Better?
Remember the days when you would open your sack lunch and pull out a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the crust cut off? It was quick, easy, and delicious. And as simple as it was to construct, your PB&J sandwich could still be different from the one of someone sitting next to you.
There's so much variety. You can select from crunchy or smooth peanut butter, to grape or strawberry jelly. Do you prefer one side peanut butter and one side jelly? Or peanut butter on both sides and jelly in the middle (because no one wants a soggy sandwich)? You can even add additional ingredients, like breakfast cereal or marshmallow fluff (via Taste of Home).
Even when you venture out of PB&J territory into grilled cheese, ham and cheese, or a simple turkey sandwich, there's the crust or no crust debate. And which way do you cut it? There are three ways to cut a sandwich: into circles with special cutters, vertically and in half, or diagonally. And of those last two, many have a big preference for the diagonal cut. But does that actually make it taste better?
The science behind the diagonally cut sandwich
The PB&J, in particular, is already super satisfying because of the contrast in its flavor, texture, and temperature. The diagonal cut seems to add something of a visual appeal, too. As it turns out, there's actually some science behind why so many people prefer it.
According to NPR, when a sandwich is cut diagonally, the halves appear larger. As opposed to a sandwich cut in half, a diagonally sliced sandwich reveals more of its tasty interior as well. One math professor, Paul Calter, calculated that a rectangular-cut sandwich has 8 inches of crustless surface; meanwhile, a diagonal-cut sandwich has 11 inches. The triangular shape is also much more convenient for eating and provides more accessibility to the middle of the crust — which, for many, is their favorite part.
Furthermore, professional chefs have supported this claim by saying that the diagonal cut allows the eater to get a balanced bite (via The Daily Meal). Whatever the reasoning may be, we all know which is the best way to go.