Today is National Bagels & Lox Day! A bagel topped with lox (thinly sliced cured salmon) is an iconic Jewish-American dish. Once found only in New York delis, this delicious sandwich is now popular all across the country.

Bagels originated in Poland in the early 17th century. Jewish families often ate bagels on Saturday evenings at the conclusion of the Sabbath because the bagels could be baked very quickly. The bagel symbolizes the circle of life. Lox, which symbolizes the saltiness of tears, is an entirely American invention. It became a popular sandwich filling in the mid 1800s when the transcontinental railroad began shipping barrels of salted salmon to the East Coast.

To celebrate National Bagels & Lox Day, take part in this Jewish-American tradition and enjoy a tasty bagel topped with cream cheese, lox, red onion, and capers!