COOKING THE BEST CHIPS...

If you offer them, chips will no doubt be one of the most popular items on your menu. Cooked correctly they don’t need to be high in fat.

The Chip Group is a group of companies, including Potatoes New Zealand, who are all involved in the chip industry. They, along with the Heart Foundation, have established a set of Standards for deep fried chips to help improve their nutritional value and quality, whilst still retaining a delicious flavour and texture.

The Standards have been developed specifically for the food service and hospitality sector. By following the Standards the quality of your chips will be consistently high. You will also save money by managing your frying medium properly.

Download a copy of the Tips for Better Chips chart here...


To keep warm
It is best to serve chips as soon as they are cooked but if you have to keep them warm place on a clean tray in a 140°C oven - but not for too long.


Making one of New Zealand's favourite foods healthier
WHY : New Zealanders eat around 120,000 tonnes of chips each year, therefore, making them lower in fat and salt could have a big impact on people's health. Research shows that consumers prefer the taste of chips when they are cooked according to the industry standards.

HOW : Key industry groups, including operators in the food service and hospitality sector, were consulted to ensure that the industry standards are relevant and practical.

WHAT : Encourage use of these Standards daily. Check out the online training for quick, simple, easy to follow modules on each of the Standards. This training is free of charge and will benefit you and your customers. Certificates are available on completion.


Chips Group Industry Standards (NZ)
for Deep Fried Chips

THICK CHIPS ARE BEST CHIPS
Use thick straight-cut chips, at least 13 mm wide.

HOW MUCH IS A PORTION?
A standard scoop is approximately 330g
Notes:
Weight refers to uncooked chips, approximately 3 serves per kg.
In some foodservice/hospitality situations such as where food is shared, a standard scoop may not be appropriate.

USE THE GOOD OIL
Use a frying oil that meets the industry standard:
• Saturated fat - maximum 28%
• Trans fat - maximum 1%
• Linolenic acid – maximum 3%
Notes:
Suppliers will tell you which oils meet the industry standard. These may include: high-oleic sunflower oil, high-oleic low-linolenic canola, rice bran oil, cottonseed oil and some blends of various oils. Visit www.thechipgroup.co.nz for brands that meet the industry standard.

KEEP YOUR OIL AT THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE
Cook chips at a temperature of 175-180°C for between 3 – 4 minutes.
Notes:
Weight refers to uncooked chips, approximately 3 serves per kg.
In some foodservice/hospitality situations such as where food is shared, a standard scoop may not be appropriate.

DRAIN OFF EXCESS OIL
After frying, bang or shake the basket vigorously two times. Then hang the basket for at least 20 seconds.

NOT TOO MUCH SALT
Use salt sparingly if seasoning OR provide salt sachets.

KEEP OIL IN GOOD CONDITION
Maintain oil in good quality.
Notes:
Keep fryer topped up, with oil.
Filter oil each day.
Cool oil and cover fryers when not in use.
Test and discard oil when it shows signs of degradation.

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS
Adopt best practice frying training for staff.
Note:
eg the Chip Group Online Training is available at www.thechipgroup.co.nz


IMPORTANT
All premises involved in the production of deep-fried chips must comply with existing regulations, e.g., Food Hygiene Regulations 1974, Food Act 1981, Health & Safety in Employment Act 1992, and any subsequent amendments.