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What made Idaho an ideal state for growing Russet potatoes? p.112
The state’s altitude, warm days, cool nights, light volcanic soil, and abundance of irrigation water
What year was J.R Simplot born? p.112
1909
What project turned the south of Idaho into ideal farmland? Who was it funded by? p.112
the Snake River Reclamation Project; the U.S government.
The year the J.R Simplot started selling frozen french fries... p.114
1953
What was Simplot's pay when he started in the french fry business? How old was he? p.112
30 cents; 16
What makes the Russet Burbank potato the best choice for frozen fries? p.114
with its large size and high starch content, was the perfect potato for frying.
Why was frozen french fries so appealing to Ray Kroc? p.115
It ensured uniformity and helped cut labor costs
What does GRAS stand for? p.125
Generally Regarded As Safe
How many pounds of potatoes in total did the average American eat in 1960? p.115
eighty-five pounds of potatoes
What was an Idaho potato farmer’s annual income based on now? p.118
the weather, the world market, and the whims of the giant processors
What two kinds of people would you find in rural Idaho? p.118
the people who run the farms and the people who own them
Why did McDonalds switch to pure vegetable oil in 1990? p.120
Over critisicm about the amount of cholesterol that was in their fries
What does the fast food industry need to exist? p.121
the flavor industry
Why did Simplot have to step down from being chief executive of his company in 1994? p.116
Because Simplot's business started slowing down.
What did Schlosser see in the second pilot kitchen? p.122
A pizza oven, a grill, a milkshake machine, and a french fryer.
What did fast food chains work hard to promote successfully? p.123
comfort foods, a source of pleasure and reassurance
What was the "gold dust" that Simplot referred to? p.113
Dehydrated onion powder
How are more complex flavors now being made? p.128
Through fermentation, enzyme reactions, fungal cultures, and tissue cultures.
What did Simplot do with the profits he earned as a military contractor? p.113
He bought potato farms and cattle ranches.
What does a flavorist have to consider in order to give processed food the proper taste? p.127
A food's "mouth-feel", the unique combination of textures and chemical interactions that affect how the flavor is percieved.
How does the old legend describe the smell the German scientist created? p.124
sweet smell of grapes
What does the Food and Drug Administration not require? p.125
The FDA does not require fast food companies to provide any ingredients for their additives
How many pounds of fries did Schlosser find in the freezer? p.131
20 million pounds
How often was a new batch of fries cooked in the lab? p.131
Every half hour
How many different type of fries does Lamb Weston manufacture? p.130
8 different fry types