Crisps, also known as potato chips, are one of the most popular snack foods in the world. They come in a variety of flavours, from classic salted to more exotic options like barbecue or sour cream and onion. However, the very first flavour of crisps was much simpler and more straightforward: salt.
How The First Crisps Came About
The history of crisps dates back to the early 1800s when they were first invented in the United States. According to legend, a chef by the name of George Crum was working at a restaurant in Saratoga Springs, New York, when a customer complained that the French fries he had ordered were too thick and soggy. In response, Crum decided to slice the potatoes as thin as possible, fry them until they were crispy, and then heavily salt them. The customer loved the result, and the first batch of crisps was born.
Paper Cones and Plates
At the time, crisps were not sold in bags like they are today. Instead, they were typically served in paper cones or small dishes at restaurants or food stands. They quickly became popular, and other restaurants began offering their own versions of the snack.
Packing Technology Advancements
It wasn’t until the 1920s and 1930s that crisps started to be sold in bags. This was thanks to advances in packaging technology, which made it possible to create bags that could protect the crisps from moisture and air. This allowed them to be sold in stores and vending machines and made them much more widely available to the general public.
The First Few Flavours
As crisps became more popular, so did the number of flavours available. In the early days, most were still flavoured with just salt. However, as companies began to experiment with different seasonings and spices, new flavours started to emerge. Some of the earliest flavours included barbecue, sour cream and onion, and cheese.
Salted Crisps Are Still A Classic!
Despite the wide range of flavours available today, salted crisps remain a classic and timeless option. There is something about the simple combination of crispy potato and salt that is both comforting and satisfying. Plus, salted varieties are versatile snack that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with dips and other foods.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards healthier snacks, and some companies have started to offer low-salt or unsalted crisps as an alternative to the traditional salted variety. However, for many people, the classic salted crisp will always hold a special place in their hearts (and stomachs).
In conclusion, the very first flavour of crisps was salt. This simple and straightforward flavour was invented by chef George Crum in the early 1800s and quickly became popular among restaurant-goers. As they began to be sold in bags in the 1920s and 1930s, more flavours started to emerge, but salted crisps remained a classic and timeless option. Today, there is a wide range of crisp flavours available, but the original salted will always be a favourite among snack lovers.
