The Debated Origin of the Potato Chip

    Potato chips are a staple snack that can be found just about anywhere. They can be spotted in gas stations, school lunches, picnic baskets, and supermarkets. Potato chips come in  colorful bags of different sizes, brands, and flavors. There is a flavor for every mood, such as classic sea salt for a relaxing movie night, barbecue for a family picnic, or unique flavors like cucumber when feeling adventurous. Chips are perfect on their own, but they also work well with sandwiches, burgers, and just about any dip. It is hard to believe that this incredible snack has only been around for a little over a century and a half.

    Based on the most famous origin story, the potato chip was first invented in the Moon Lake House Resort in Saratoga Springs, New York. In 1853, the chef, George Crum, received an order for fries but the customer repeatedly sent the food back and complained the fries were not thin enough. After many attempts, Crum became frustrated and decided to slice the potato paper-thin, fried them to a crisp, and sent them back as a “revenge dish.” Surprisingly, the customer loved Crum’s revenge dish and potato chips were born!

    According to the Saratoga County History Center, Crum never took credit for inventing the potato chip, so some believe it was actually Kate Wicks, Crum’s sister, who invented the potato chip. This story explains that Wicks accidentally dropped a thin slice of potato into the frying oil. When Crum fished out the potato chip and tasted it, he loved the magical taste.

    Not everyone buys either story. Food historians have found recipes dating back to 1822 that describe a chip-like snack, so the true inventor may remain a mystery.    What is quite certain is that potato chips have become an extremely popular snack in the US. Smithsonian Magazine reports that Americans consume almost two billion pounds of potato chips annually. The snack even has its own holiday: National Potato Chip Day on March 14, celebrated by many by eating their favorite potato chip, adding potato chips to a meal, or making a chip dip. Whether potato chips came into being from revenge, accident, or an old, unknown recipe, potato chips have earned their place as one of the world’s most beloved snacks.