Tater Tots

Tater Tots are a popular American side dish made from grated and deep-fried potatoes. They were first created in 1953 by the Ore-Ida company, and have since become a staple in American cuisine, particularly in school cafeterias and fast food restaurants.

History

Tater Tots were invented in 1953 by the founders of the Ore-Ida company, F. Nephi Grigg and Golden Grigg. The brothers were looking for a way to utilize the leftover slivers of cut-up potatoes from their frozen french fry business. They chopped up the slivers, added flour and seasoning, then pushed the mixture through holes and sliced off pieces of the extruded mixture. The result was Tater Tots, which means "baby potatoes" in Danish.

Preparation

Tater Tots are made from grated potatoes, which are then deep-fried until they are golden brown. They are typically served as a side dish, often with ketchup or other condiments. They can also be used in a variety of recipes, such as Tater Tot casserole or Tater Tot nachos, also known as "Totchos".

Nutritional Information

A serving of Tater Tots (about 86 grams) contains approximately 160 calories, 8 grams of fat, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein. They are not a significant source of vitamins or minerals.

Cultural Impact

Tater Tots have had a significant cultural impact in the United States. They are a common sight in school cafeterias and fast food restaurants, and have been featured in numerous films and television shows. In 2004, the film Napoleon Dynamite famously featured a character eating Tater Tots during a school lunch scene.

See Also

• French fries
• Potato chips
• Hash browns