They are devoured at a rate of 1.2 billion pounds a year. Potato chips were invented in Saratoga Springs in 1853 by chef George Crum. They were a mocking response to a patron who complained that his French fries were too thick. Refried beans aren't really what they seem. Although their name seems like a reasonable translation of Spanish frijoles refritos, the fact is that these beans aren't fried twice.
Rice is the staple food of more than one-half of the world's population.
Saffron, made from the dried stamens of cultivated crocus flowers, is the most expensive cooking spice. Since Hindus don't eat beef, the McDonald's in New Delhi makes its burgers with mutton. Sliced bread was introduced under the Wonder Bread label in 1930. Tequila is made from the root of the blue agave cactus. The Agen plum which would become the basis of the US prune industry was first planted in California in 1856.