Chips should not be missing as a party snack or in the evening on the couch. But how did potato chips become popular nibbling fun? There are two theories about what we owe the crispy potato slices to:a demanding restaurant guest or a minor kitchen accident.
A culinary act of revenge…
The first theory about the history of the origin of the chips begins in Saratoga Springs, California in the United States. George Speck, later known as George Crum, worked here as a hotel chef. In August 1853, the ambitious kitchen master had a very demanding guest, the entrepreneur and industrialist Cornelius Vanderbilt. He had sent the fried potatoes Crum served back to the kitchen several times. The reason:the potato slices were too thick for him. Out of annoyance, Crum then cut potato slices so thin and crispy that they could no longer be impaled on the fork and then salted vigorously again. Much to his surprise, the thin and salted potato slices tasted excellent. The chips quickly became a success in Crums Restaurant and were on the menu from that moment on.
… or a fat faux pas?
Another story says that Crum's sister accidentally dropped a potato slice that was too thinly sliced into hot fat. George Crum was so impressed with the result that he offered the crispy potato slices in his restaurant.
It is not possible to say exactly which story corresponds to the truth. In any case, George Crum plays a central role in both stories.
From Saratoga to the world
Today we know chips all over the world. The invention of a potato peeling machine in 1920 signaled the start of industrial production, but great success was not forthcoming because the chips were offered unseasoned. The breakthrough came about 20 years later with the invention of a spice addition technique. As a result, the demand for chips increased rapidly.
For everyone who wants to eat their chips every day, we have another tip: Chips can be baked crispy in the microwave and without adding fat. To do this, simply put thin potato slices on a skewer and keep the slices afloat. Depending on the wattage, the fat-free chips from the microwave are ready in about eight minutes. Alternatively, homemade chips can also be made in the oven.
