Episode 166 - Chipping Masterclass
Posted by Emma on 30th May 2024
In the latest episode of the Ceres Podcast, Stelios and co-host David Miller take a deep dive into a subject near and dear to every fish and chip shop owner—chipping. If you think making great chips is as simple as peeling potatoes and throwing them in the fryer, think again! In this episode, they discuss everything from the importance of proper chip preparation to why treating your chips with the right method can be the game-changer your business needs.
David and Stelios open the episode by highlighting how critical chips are to any fish and chip shop. They are, after all, the number one seller, and it's not often that a customer asks for a plate of fish without those golden fries on the side. But what does it take to make the best chips that keep customers coming back?
They explore two methods of chip treatment—both designed to give you crispier chips with a perfect fluffy interior. Whether you're using our standard method, which soaks the chips for 15 minutes, or the concentrated version for faster results, we explain the science behind it all. Removing excess starch is a crucial step. It improves the texture, prevents that dreaded grey colour, and ensures that the chips fry evenly, giving you that consistent golden result everyone loves.
One of the key highlights of this episode is understanding how chips oxidise once the potato's skin is removed and how to prevent them from turning brown. We also discuss how improper treatment can lead to soggy, oil-laden chips—and nobody wants that.
While Stelios bring the science, David provides his invaluable hands-on experience, including his personal story about how even he got it wrong initially, learning a valuable lesson about following the right chip treatment process. It's a funny and insightful moment reminding us that even seasoned professionals can learn something new.
As always, they are big on practical tips. For example, they discuss how using less water in the chipping process can be environmentally friendly and cost-effective without sacrificing quality. They also touch on the importance of acrylamide awareness and how following proper chip preparation methods can help minimise this naturally occurring chemical compound, which forms when carbohydrates like potatoes are cooked at high temperatures.
But there's so much more packed into this episode. Whether you're a small shop or a large-scale processor, there are valuable takeaways for everyone. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about elevating their fry game, from why chip preparation formula is key to oil preservation to how to avoid common mistakes that could ruin your chips.
Don't miss this episode if you're ready to discover the techniques that can transform your chips from average to exceptional. Available on all podcast platforms!