Potato chips and crisps are a popular snack in both America and Britain, but there are some notable differences in the terminology used to describe them. In the United States, the thin, crispy slices of fried potatoes are known as chips, while in the United Kingdom, they are called crisps.
American chips
The term "chips" for fried potatoes originated in America, specifically in Saratoga Springs, New York in 1853. According to legend, a disgruntled patron at a restaurant complained that his potatoes were too thick and sent them back to the kitchen. In response, the chef sliced the potatoes paper-thin, fried them until they were crispy, and served them as "Saratoga chips." The dish became an instant sensation and soon spread throughout the country.
The texture and thickness of chips and crisps also differ slightly. American chips tend to be thicker and crunchier, while British crisps are thinner and more delicate. This difference in texture may be due in part to the fact that American chips are often made from russet potatoes, which are starchier than the potatoes used to make British crisps.
British crisps
In the UK, the term "crisps" was first used in the 1920s by the potato crisp manufacturer Smith's. The company introduced a line of potato chips called "Crisps" and the name caught on. While potato chips had been available in the UK before then, they were typically thicker and were called "potato crisps" to distinguish them from French fries, which were called "chips."
Another notable difference between British crisps and American chips is the variety of flavours available. In the United States, potato chips come in a range of flavours, including classic salted, barbecue, sour cream and onion, and cheddar and sour cream. In the UK, the range of flavours is much wider and includes more unusual options such as prawn cocktail, roast beef and mustard, and pickled onion. This is partly due to the fact that the British crisp market is more competitive, with many different companies vying for customers.
An additional difference between chips and crisps is the way they are served. In the United States, chips are often eaten as a side dish or a snack on their own, while in the UK, crisps are usually eaten as a snack on their own or as part of a packed lunch. In fact, crisps are such a popular snack in the UK that they are often sold in small packets in vending machines and convenience stores.
Despite these differences, both chips and crisps remain a beloved snack food in their respective countries. Whether you prefer the classic salted flavour of American chips or the more adventurous flavours of British crisps, there's no denying that both varieties are delicious in their own way and are generally the same thing.
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