Fis
h and chips is a popular meal in the UK, and the star of this dish is undoubtedly the crispy, golden chips or French fries as we call them. You may think you know all there is to know about this beloved snack, but here are some interesting and unexpected facts about British chips that might surprise you.
1. The first ever fish and chips restaurant in the world was opened in the UK.
Although there is still some debate about its exact location, it's widely accepted that the first ever fish and chips restaurant opened in the UK in the 1860s. This iconic dish soon became a staple meal of British cuisine and has remained a favorite ever since.
2. British people eat more than 1.6 million portions of chips a day.
This staggering statistic means that in the UK alone, more than 587 million portions of chips are consumed each year. That's a lot of spuds!
3. In the UK, we call them "chips," not "French fries."
If you're in the UK and you order "French fries," you'll likely get a quizzical look from the server. Chips are thicker and usually made from potato varieties that are better suited to frying. They are typically served with fish as a part of the classic dish fish and chips.
4. The perfect chips need to be between 1-1.5 cm thick.
The thickness of chips is crucial to getting them perfectly crispy and fluffy on the inside. The ideal thickness is between 1-1.5 cm, any thinner and they're liable to overcook and become dry; any thicker, and they will take longer to cook and may be soggy.
5. The best potatoes for chips are not fresh but rather "old".
When it comes to making chips, the humble spud needs to be mature - at least 14 days old - to produce the perfect end result. This is because aging potatoes break down their starch into sugars, giving them the perfect balance of fluffiness and crispiness.
6. In some parts of the UK, chips are served with gravy.
While chips might seem like the perfect accompaniment for ketchup, some parts of the UK prefer to serve them with gravy. This may sound strange, but the rich, savory flavor of gravy pairs perfectly with the crispy, salty chips.
7. In the UK, chip shops always leave the skin on the potato.
The potato skin not only adds to the flavor and texture, but it also helps to protect the inside of the potato and stop it from breaking apart while cooking.
8. British chip shops used to serve portions of chips wrapped in newspaper.
Back in the day, it was common practice for chip shops to wrap portions of chips in newspaper to prevent grease from leaking through the packaging. This practice stopped in the UK in the 1980s when it was discovered that the ink used in the newspaper printing process could be harmful.
In conclusion, chips are one of the most beloved foods in the UK, and the history and culture surrounding them are fascinating. Whether you like them with gravy, ketchup, or vinegar, one thing is for sure: there's nothing quite like a piping hot, perfectly cooked portion of British chips to satisfy your cravings.
