Virtual Beef Tallow...yum!

"Why the fries taste so good? by Eric Schlosser was a very interesting read.
This essay is an in-depth look at the American icon of fast food, the McDonald French fry and the incredible story of J.R. Simplot’s rise from eighth grade drop-out to multibillionaire powerhouse and the technology, science and social circumstances that got the potato to grow in the Idaho desert and become the mega rock star of the food world.

The story of J.R. Simplot is an amazing tale and the epitome of the whole American dream idea of dogged determinism, innovation and unlimited resources to exploit. You have to admire a man who has accomplished that much. It is those types of people who move in the entrepreneurial spirit that are the innovators of progress. But within the same thoughts of awe and admiration, I wonder when it is enough? It seems by the consumer culture we live in today the answer is “it’s never enough,” economic growth or profit or fries, we just can’t get enough.

I ‘m not really surprised by the revelations of the flavor industry. I think science can break anything down into its component parts and all be labeled as a volatile chemicals, but has certainly brought a new light to the way I read and interpret ingredients.


The science and conveniences of modern life has eliminated much of the “doing” of life. You no longer have to slave over a hot stove to get a tasty meal. It’s great in this fast paced life to have fast meals. But I think that in losing the physical act of making things for yourself; you lose a connection, a satisfaction or accomplishment and perhaps maybe the reason why you do what you do. Why do we eat McDonald’s fries? because they taste good.

Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All American Meal. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2001. 111-113.