U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for August 27

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 27: POTATO CHIPS

Profile America — Friday, August 27th.  One of America's favorite snack foods is said to have originated this week near Saratoga Springs, New York, in 1853.  The chef at Moon's Lake House, George Crum, was irritated at a customer who sent back his fried potatoes several times, saying they were too thick and soggy.  Crum decided to slice potatoes paper thin and stir fry them.  The customer was delighted, and so-called Saratoga Chips became famous.  The exact history of potato chips is unknown, but it is thought they originated in Europe.  Worldwide, more than $16 billion of potato chips are sold each year.  In the U.S., chips make up a good part of the 39 pounds of potatoes each American eats annually.  You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources:  Snack Food Association

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2010, t. 213

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).  

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau