Nugget

Nuggets are small, bite-sized pieces of battered and fried food that have captivated people worldwide, whether they're made from chicken, pork, fish, or even plant-based alternatives. Today, Rimping Supermarket invites you to explore the long history of the nugget, from its unexpected origins to its current status as a global favorite.

Ancient Origins : From Roman to Medieval Times

The concept of taking small pieces of meat and coating them in batter before frying has existed for centuries. Ancient Roman cookbooks, such as Apicius, describe a recipe called Isicia omentata. This dish involved ground meat mixed with bread and spices, soaked in wine, then shaped and fried. Its resemblance to modern-day meatballs or nuggets suggests it could be an early precursor to the nugget.

In medieval Europe, chefs also prepared similar dishes. For example, Rissol was a small croquette filled with minced meat, fish, or other ingredients, coated in breadcrumbs, and then fried. These were highly popular at feasts and various social gatherings.

The Birth of the Modern Chicken Nugget : By Robert C. Baker

However, the modern nugget as we know it today was created in the 1950s by Robert C. Baker, a professor of food science at Cornell University in the United States.

During World War II, American soldiers faced meat shortages. Professor Robert sought ways to process chicken meat to make it storable for longer periods and easier to prepare. This led him to develop the chicken nugget, utilizing leftover chicken parts that would typically be discarded.

Robert devised a method to bind the ground chicken to the batter without it falling apart, even when fried or frozen. He mixed ground chicken with seasonings, shaped it into bite-sized pieces, coated it in batter, then fried it before subjecting it to a freezing process. This resulted in a new form of chicken nugget he called Chicken Crispies.

McDonald's and Chicken McNuggets : The Turning Point of Popularity

Despite Robert Baker's innovative creation, chicken nuggets did not immediately gain widespread popularity. It wasn't until the 1980s that McDonald's, the fast-food giant, collaborated with Keystone Foods to develop a new chicken nugget recipe. These were first launched in 1983 under the name Chicken McNuggets.

After their introduction, McNuggets quickly became incredibly popular, transforming into a signature item on McDonald's menu. This success prompted other restaurants to develop their own nugget recipes. They didn't limit themselves to chicken but also incorporated other meats, such as pork nuggets, fish nuggets, tofu nuggets, and even plant-based nuggets, to cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences.

Nuggets Today : Global Variety and Popularity

Nuggets are not only popular in the United States but are also known worldwide. Each country often features its own variations, served with different sauces. For instance, in Japan, they are commonly served with teriyaki sauce, while in India, the chicken is often seasoned with traditional Indian spices.

Today, nuggets continue to evolve, available in both frozen and ready-to-cook forms. They can be found widely in supermarkets, convenience stores, and various restaurants.

From ancient concepts to development by a food scientist and the popularization by a renowned fast-food chain, nuggets have become an accessible and beloved dish enjoyed by people of all ages across the globe.

You can find a variety of nuggets at all Rimping Supermarket branches!