8 Crispy and Delicious Fun Facts About Hash Browns You Need to Know

1. Onion's Oscar-worthy Performance

In a tear-jerking performance worthy of an Oscar, the humble onion steps up to co-star with potatoes and save their golden, crisp reputation: Grating onions into shredded potatoes can prevent browning while packing extra flavor into your hash browns or casserole, ensuring their rightful place as the delicious heroes of any breakfast table.
Source => southernliving.com

2. Hash Browns' New York Debut

Before the days of "Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey," there was "Mornin', New York! Time for some tasty tater treats!": Hash browns first graced breakfast plates in New York City during the 1890s, and were originally called "hashed brown potatoes," as described by American food author Maria Parloa in her 1887 Kitchen Companion. Contrary to popular belief, the "hash" in the name doesn't hail from the French word "hacher," but rather evolved from a shortened version of "hash brown potatoes," referring to the practice of frying up cold boiled potatoes and folding them like an omelet before serving.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

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=> Fun Facts about Potatoes

3. The Starchy Secret to Crispy Hash Browns

Eager to turn your morning potatoes into the talk-of-the-town, crisp-tastic sensation that leaves friends and family a-peel-ingly envious and surely hash-ing out compliments? Squeeze those spuds and learn the starchy secret: Crispy hash browns are best made with starchy potatoes like russets or Idahoes, which create a delectable crust, while waxy varieties such as new potatoes, Yukon Golds, or red potatoes hold themselves together like a well-oiled comedy duo, and don't forget to properly drain and press the shredded potatoes for that extra crunch factor!
Source => allrecipes.com

4. Microwaving for Golden Crispy Perfection

Did you know that the humble potato has the power to achieve the title of "The Golden Crispy One"? Fear not, your kitchen might just be hiding the secret to discovering this starchy superhero: Microwaving shredded potatoes for a brief period before frying them in a skillet is the ultimate trick to obtain incredibly crispy and delicious hash browns! The mighty russet potato will best serve your quest for crackly crust, but remember – moisture is their kryptonite. Banish water away by giving your shredded potatoes a tight squeeze (preferably with a kitchen towel or cheesecloth) and avoid rinsing them after shredding if you truly seek hash brown greatness.
Source => seriouseats.com

5. The Dynamic Duo: Russet Potatoes & Drying

Holy Spud, Batman! It turns out the secret to crispy, delicious hash browns has been hiding under our potato peel all along: opt for the high-starch russet potatoes and make sure to thoroughly dry the grated spuds with a kitchen towel before cooking to achieve that perfect texture and prevent too much grease absorption.
Source => thespruceeats.com

6. Hash Browns' Culinary Superhero Journey

In a world where potatoes dreamed of becoming more than just common fries, an unexpected hero emerged – the delicious and versatile hash brown. Behold, the potato's rebellious quest for culinary glory: Hash browns come in an array of scrumptious styles and flavors, including seasoned, southern style o'brien with onions and peppers, shredded, and even organic options. Brands like Great Value, McCain, Simplot, Cascadian Farm, and Lamb Weston bring these potato wonders to the breakfast table through their diverse lineup of frozen hash browns, ensuring an appetizing adventure awaits your taste buds!
Source => walmart.com

7. The Ultimate Breakfast Sidekick

Unbeknownst to the common spud, when grated and exposed to heat, it transforms into the magical delicacy known as hash browns – the ultimate breakfast superhero, swooping in to rescue your morning meal from the clutches of blandness: These crispy marvels are created by shredding potatoes, squeezing out the excess liquid, and frying them to perfection, allowing for culinary customization by adding delightful sidekicks like bell peppers and sausage to make those morning taste buds sing.
Source => momsdish.com

8. Allium Family's Flavorful Party Crashers

Onions and garlic walk into a bar – but they're not crying; they're mingling with the hash browns, making them cry with laughter due to the earthy, pungent depth of flavor they bring to the party: Onion and garlic, belonging to the Allium family, are the perfect companions for hash browns, adding layers of taste and intensity, while cayenne pepper and black pepper cheer from the sidelines, providing added spice and visual appeal, and flavorful olive oil generously greases the dance floor for a mouth-watering kitchen shindig.
Source => spiceography.com