But for trained food scientist Jemma, the plan to catch a leaner, healthier option is a labour of love.
For the past year Jemma has been working as part of the council’s healthy business awards team. She’s taken on the task of working with the borough’s network of chippies to look at how they can make the winning combination of fish and chips not just healthier but, dare we say it, better!
“You could say that we are re-inventing fish and chips for the 21st century,” jokes Jemma.
“We may also be able to help some of the fish and chip shops in the borough improve their efficiency, cut down on waste and become better performing and more profitable as a result.”
Wigan borough has more than 40 fish and chip shops, and while at this stage Jemma is working with a relatively small number the project is already bearing fruit.
Healthy business awards are the council’s way of recognising the efforts that people in the catering trade are making to offer their customers healthier choices.
So far six local chippies have achieved the accolade and Jemma is confident that plenty more will follow.
On her regular visits she looks at all aspects of the business, from how raw ingredients are stored to the frying techniques.
Even the type of oil and spuds you use can make a big difference. “How the potatoes are treated before they are fried changes the amount of fat they absorb.
“The cooking temperature and the condition of the oil can make a big difference too. Getting this right means you get fish and chips that taste better but contain fewer calories.”
On average, chippies which achieve the Healthy Business Award produce everyone’s favourite fry-up with a whopping 30 per cent less fat.
For more information on Wigan Council’s Healthy Business Awards and healthy eating in Wigan you can contact the team on 01942 828180.
Healthy chippy tips
Healthy Business Award Logo
By following these few simple pointers you can make sure fish and chips stays on the menu during your health drive.
- Cut down on the salt. The white stuff’s been linked to high blood pressure and heart problems.
- Take off the batter, and inside you’ve a piece of healthier steamed fish.
- Peas please – contribute to your five a day by adding a portion of the mushy stuff.
- The lighter the better – darker fish and chips may have absorbed more fat.
- Look for the logo – If your favourite café, restaurant or takeaway has the Healthy Business Award logo on display, it’s your guarantee that the grub is good for you.
You’ll find the logo at the following chippies - more are on the way: Parry’s Fish and Chips, Aspull; Farrimond’s Chippy, Standish; Paul's Chippy at Chapel Green, Hindley; Gidlow Plaice, Beech Hill; Trawlerman, Beech Hill; Mr Chips, Wigan.
