Potato chip

Potato chip is a thin slice of potato that has been deep fried or baked until crunchy. Potato chips are commonly served as a snack, side dish, or appetizer. They originated in the United States, where they are known as "potato chips", and are widely sold in many other countries.

History

The potato chip was invented in 1853 by George Crum, a chef at the Moon's Lake House in Saratoga Springs, New York. Crum was trying to appease an unhappy customer who kept sending his fried potatoes back, complaining that they were too thick. Frustrated, Crum sliced the potatoes as thin as he could, fried them to a crisp, and seasoned them with extra salt. To his surprise, the customer loved them and they soon became a regular item on the restaurant's menu, known as "Saratoga Chips".

Production

Potato chips are made from thin slices of potato that are deep fried or baked until they become crisp. The basic process involves washing, peeling, and slicing the potatoes, then frying or baking them. After cooking, the chips are usually seasoned with salt or other flavors.

Varieties

There are many different varieties of potato chips, including plain (salted), barbecue, sour cream and onion, and cheese and onion. Some companies also produce "gourmet" or "premium" chips, which are made from higher-quality ingredients and often come in unusual flavors.

Health concerns

While potato chips are a popular snack, they are high in fat and calories, and regular consumption can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. Some brands also contain high levels of sodium, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

See also

• French fries
• Crisps
• Snack food