By michael vivar
Potato chips are one of the most popular snacks in the United States. As of this writing, the sale of the crunchy treat generates $10.7 billion in revenue annually.
When biting into a potato chip, some with a more curious and philosophical mindset might ponder, "Where did this wonderful thing come from?"
The first documented reference to a similar food was in the British recipe book, "The Cook's Oracle," which described potato shavings fried in lard.
The story of the modern potato chip's origin revolves around George Crum. He was a Black man with membership to the Mohawk people who lived from 1824 to 1914.
History tells that Crum worked as a cook at the Moon Lake House restaurant in Saratoga Springs, NY. The subsequent account about the golden snack is widely believed, but not confirmed to be true.
Crum was to prepare an order of French fries for a customer. The surly patron kept sending them back complaining they were too soggy or not salted enough.
In a fit of annoyance, Crum sliced potatoes incredibly thin, salted the discs then deep fried them. He believed the customer would be leave in exasperation.
To everyone's surprise, the customer (rumored to be railroad magnate, Cornelius Vanderbilt) was overjoyed with the crispy, salty new creation.
Cary Moon, the owner of the restaurant, almost immediately took credit for the culinary innovation and began mass marketing. It was a hit with local tourists then the country.
George Crum never sought acclaim for the invention of the potato chip. In fact, the Saratoga Springs folklore didn't appear until decades after his death in Fortune magazine.
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