Fish and chips are a classic teatime treat, a family favourite here in the U.K. In this blog, we will explore some facts about the nation's favourite paper parcels of joy that you might not have known about.
They have an interesting backstory.
Lancashire and London are both fighting to claim the origins of fish and chips. On the one hand, the first official fish and chip shop is believed to have opened in Mossley, Greater Manchester, in 1863. However, 24 years before that, Charles Dickens mentions a fried fish warehouse in the classic novel Oliver Twist. By 1896, you could buy a fish supper for 4p at London's first sit-down fish and chip shop in Whitechapel. There were over 25,000 fish-and-chip shops in the U.K. in 1910, rising to 35,000 by 1927.
Did you know that fish and chips were one of the few foods that were not rationed during WWII? The government acknowledged the importance of fish and chips to its population — and it was not like we were running out of it anytime soon. What's fascinating is that British soldiers identified one another during the 1944 Normandy landings by calling out 'fish' and waiting for a response of 'chips.'
They are healthier than you would assume.
Fish and chips offer much more than just flavour. The dish contains vital vitamins such as vitamin C, B6 (or pyridoxine), and B12 (or cobalamin). The three of these work together to promote a more robust immune and nervous system. Add omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, calcium, and iodine to the mix, and you have got yourself a nutritious treat you would not want to share. It may also come as a surprise that the total fat content of an average fish and chips meal (48.2g) is less than that of many pre-packaged foods and other takeaway options — a win-win situation.
Remember that it is all about finding the right balance. A bit of what you want now and then is not a bad thing, as long as it is part of a balanced diet.
They are our favourite takeaway.
We consume 380 million portions of fish and chips every year here in the U.K. That equates to about one portion every two months for every single person in the U.K. Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent fish and chips shops to keep us going — our country has over 10,500 fish and chip shops, which is more than McDonald's and KFC combined.
Traditional fish and chips are a British staple and a beloved national food. You can buy them from one of the thousands of fish and chip shops around, or you can cook them at home by finding an online seafood delivery service and buying thick white fish, such as sustainable cod, haddock, or pollock.
Buy Fresh Seafood Online
If you are looking for fresh seafood delivery in Grimsby, Seafood Direct is the company to call. To browse our fine selection of mouth-watering fresh seafood, please stop by our collections page! And if you have any questions about our seafood delivery service, call us at 01472 566000 or write to us at sales@seafooddirect.co.uk. One of our representatives will get back to you shortly!