Australians rejoice, the frozen chip is set to make a return.
The Australian potato season is under way and processors are ramping up capacity to meet demand, the ABC reports.
Like many agricultural commodities, wet weather irreparably damaged the 2022 season and any capacity went into the fresh market for a quick profit.
However, with a better season this year, processing companies Simplot and McCain have opened up their factories for full production.
Head of the Tasmanian Simplot potato grower committee Leigh Elphinstone told the ABC the harvest was looking promising.
“I would say, hopefully soon, that the chip shortage will definitely ease … and the factories can catch up with their orders and supply,” Mr Elphinstone said.
However, last year’s poor season also affected the planting capacity, so it will be a while before full supply will be reached and experts are expecting total yields to be down this year.
I for one will miss my local pub making its own chips. They were a far superior product. I always squeezed in another beer to soak up their goodness because those things need to be appreciated.
This week’s best deals
IGA
Sensible: White grapes, $3.99/kg. The harvest is on now for table grapes, so get them while you can. And can anyone solve this problem that I’ve been obsessed with for ages? Red grapes are clearly red, but white grapes are clearly not white, how did this happen?
Indulgence: Country Delight Snowballs, eight-pack, $2.99. A ridiculous treat that I only eat for the nostalgia value, but love it more every time I do. A niche brand only available at independent supermarkets.
See the catalogue here.
Coles
Sensible: Coles sausage varieties, two for $12. You’re probably going to have a get-together over Easter so get a head start on the barbie with this offer. Six varieties to choose from. They are not gourmet sausages by any measure, but a good basic offering.
Indulgence: Coles MasterChef cookware credits. Make sure you scan your Flybuys card to crank up the credits for these handy cookware items – everything from a spatula to a roaster. I mean, free stuff, it’s always good.
See the catalogue here.
Aldi
Sensible: Gardening week in the special buys. It’s Aldi, so it’s not top of the range, but if you are gardening on a budget or just starting out, this is certainly a good starting point. Everything from hose nozzles to citrus plants.
Indulgence: Settebello Freya and Jules Riesling $7.99, save $1. Great, light wine perfect for warm nights. Doesn’t actually taste too much like Riesling, but take that out of the equation and you are good to go.
See the catalogue here.
Woolworths
Sensible: Easter eggs, $4. Get a start on squirrelling away some hunt-sized eggs with this sale. Includes Cadbury, Darrell Lea, Life Saver and Kit Kat brands, so all the teeth-rotting labels are covered. Or just eat them yourself. That’s sort of hiding them.
Indulgence: 40 per cent off L’Oreal. Great price on supermarket brand. L’Oreal sells well because it’s cracked the formula for a good range at an affordable price. You may not get as many ‘active’ ingredients as more expensive brands, but neither will you be forking out the equivalent of your weekly supermarket bill for the honour.
See the catalogue here.
Have you missed frozen chips? What did you substitute? Why not share your experience in the comments section below?
Also read: Chefs’ secrets for the perfect roast potatoes
