When it comes to crafting the perfect deep-fried chip, selecting the right potato is crucial. While there are numerous varieties to choose from, one stands out above the rest: the Maris Piper. This beloved potato has long been the go-to choice for creating golden, crispy chips with a fluffy interior. In this article, we’ll explore what makes the Maris Piper the ideal candidate for deep frying, and how pairing it with the right frying oil ensures chip perfection every time.
The Maris Piper Potato – The Ideal Chip Maker
So, what makes these humble potatoes the best choice for chips?
High Starch Content
One of the key reasons why the Maris Piper potato is favoured for making deep-fried chips is its high starch content. Potatoes with higher starch levels produce chips with a light and fluffy interior, which is essential for achieving the perfect chip, with crispy exterior and a fluffy inside. When fried, the high starch content allows the surface to crisp up beautifully, creating that satisfying crunch with every bite. This characteristic is especially important when aiming to serve chips that are golden and perfectly cooked through.
Low Moisture
In addition to its high starch content, the Maris Piper potato also boasts a relatively low moisture level. Low moisture content is essential for deep frying because it reduces the risk of sogginess, which is the enemy of the perfect chip. Less moisture means the chips crisp up quickly and evenly, helping to maintain the integrity of the outer crust while ensuring a fluffy inside. The low water content is vital for creating that ideal texture that holds up to the frying process, yielding chips that aren’t weighed down by excess oil.
Fluffy and Crisp: The Perfect Combination
What sets Maris Piper potatoes apart is their unique ability to balance fluffiness with crispiness. Their composition makes them perfect for deep frying, as they offer the best of both worlds. While the high starch content provides a light, airy interior, the low moisture level ensures a crispy exterior. This combination is essential for creating chips that are golden and crunchy on the outside but remain soft and fluffy on the inside—a hallmark of the perfect chip.
Frying Maris Piper Potatoes – Best Practices
Getting the best potato is only the start of making the perfect chips! Here’s what to do next.
Prepping for Frying
Preparation is key when it comes to getting the best results from Maris Piper potatoes. To start, cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces ensures uniform cooking, reducing the risk of overcooking or undercooking. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes helps to remove excess surface starch, which can prevent the chips from sticking together during frying. Additionally, soaking minimises the risk of burning and promotes a golden, even finish.
Frying Temperature
The frying temperature plays a critical role in achieving the perfect chip. For Maris Piper potatoes, the ideal frying temperature is around 180°C. Frying at this temperature ensures a golden exterior without burning, while also allowing the inside to cook through evenly. Consistency is key and using a high-quality frying oil with a high smoking point like Frymax’s RSPO certified palm oil guarantees that the temperature remains stable throughout the frying process.
Double-Cooking Method
For an extra level of crispiness, double-cooking your chips is highly recommended. This method involves frying the chips twice: once at a lower temperature (around 130°C – 150°C) to cook them through, and then a second time at a higher temperature (175 – °C180°C) to achieve that desired crunch. Double-frying not only creates a superior texture but also helps to lock in the fluffy interior while forming a crispy outer shell.
Frymax Frying Oil – The Perfect Match for Maris Piper Chips
Frymax’s sustainable palm oil can’t be beat when it comes to deep fried deliciousness! Here’s why.
The Role of Frying Oil
While the Maris Piper potato lays the foundation for the perfect chip, the choice of frying oil is just as important. Frymax’s palm oil is the ideal companion for Maris Piper chips, as its high smoke point and stability during frying help to create consistently golden and crispy results. The quality of the oil affects the texture and flavour of the chips, and Frymax palm oil delivers on both fronts, providing a neutral taste that allows the natural flavour of the potatoes to shine through.
Sustainability
In today’s environmentally conscious world, sustainability matters. Frymax palm oil is certified by the RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil), ensuring that it is produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way. This certification aligns with consumer trends favouring sustainable products, allowing you to serve delicious chips with the assurance that you’re making a positive impact.
Oil Maintenance
Maintaining your frying oil is essential to achieving the best results. Regular filtering and changing of the oil prevents degradation, which can affect the flavour and texture of the chips. Frymax palm oil is known for its durability and longer fry life, making it a cost-effective and reliable choice for commercial kitchens and home fryers alike.
Comparing Maris Piper with Other Potato Varieties
Let’s see how Maris Piper measures up to other potatoes!
Maris Piper vs. Russet
When it comes to deep-fried chips, the Maris Piper and Russet potatoes are often compared. Both varieties are high in starch and low in moisture, making them great choices for frying. However, Maris Piper potatoes are known for their superior balance of fluffiness and crispiness, while Russet potatoes tend to be slightly drier, resulting in a crumblier texture. The Maris Piper’s ability to achieve a perfect combination of softness and crunch gives it an edge over the Russet variety.
Maris Piper vs. King Edward
While the Maris Piper reigns supreme, other starchy varieties like the King Edward also produce great results. However, King Edward potatoes have a higher moisture content, which can lead to slightly soggier chips if not prepared correctly. Despite these alternatives, the Maris Piper remains the top choice for achieving consistently fluffy and crisp chips.
Did you know.?
Markies potatoes are a variety that was bred by crossing the Maris Piper and King Edward potatoes. This cross combines the desirable traits of both parent varieties, such as the Maris Piper’s excellent texture for roasting and frying, and the King Edward’s good flavour and versatility. Markies potatoes are known for their floury texture and great taste, making them ideal for cooking methods like roasting, mashing or frying.
Common Mistakes When Frying Maris Piper Chips
Overcrowding the Pan
One common mistake is overcrowding the frying pan or basket, which lowers the oil temperature and causes the chips to steam rather than fry. This results in soggy chips, as they can’t crisp up properly. Fry in smaller batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve the desired texture.
Incorrect Temperature
Frying at too high or too low a temperature can lead to disappointing results. If the temperature is too high, the chips may burn on the outside before cooking through. Too low, and the chips absorb too much oil, resulting in a greasy texture. Always aim to maintain a temperature of around 180°C for best results.
Skipping the Soak
Skipping the soaking step can lead to chips sticking together during frying and result in uneven cooking. Removing excess surface starch through soaking is essential for achieving a consistent golden finish and ensuring that the chips don’t clump together.
Incorrect Type of Oil
Using the wrong type of oil can also impact the flavour and texture of your chips. Always opt for sustainable RSPO-certified palm oil like Frymax, which is designed to deliver consistent and high-quality frying results.
Get the Perfect Chips Every Time with Frymax!
The Maris Piper potato’s high starch content, low moisture levels, and perfect combination of fluffiness and crispiness make it the star of deep-fried chips. By pairing it with high-quality frying oil like Frymax palm oil, you can achieve consistently golden, delicious chips that satisfy every time. From maintaining the right frying temperature to employing the double-cooking method, following these best practices ensures that every batch of Maris Piper chips turns out perfect. So next time you’re craving the ultimate chip experience, reach for Maris Piper potatoes and Frymax oil—they truly are a match made in heaven!
Contact us for more information or become a Frymax member today to gain access to exclusive content, expert frying advice and the chance to enter our fantastic competitions.
