The Origins and Evolution of Doritos
Welcome back to Unwrapped, where we're catching up on crispy snacks and there's one that's cheesy as well - it's called the dorito. We're going to find out how this tangy triangle got its start and learn just a little bit about the special cheese blend that makes it so easy to lick your fingers.
The year was 1961, and a new snack called Doritos danced its way onto the chip scene as Frito-Lay's first tortilla chip. By 1988, Doritos had become the world's largest selling chip - a trend that continues today with 10 different flavors. We make about 8 million bags of Doritos a day, and that's about 2 billion bags a year. The taste that's been tops for Doritos since 1972 is nacho cheese.
So, how do these cheesy chips start out? They begin as cooked yellow corn. The point is cooked for a couple of reasons - one to soften the husk that's on the corn, and two to have the corn absorb some moisture so that we can make the mazel or the dough that we use to make the Dorito soft dough. Extrudes into thick sheets that are secretly thinned out and stamped into a series of triangles once cut they quickly make their way into a 500 degree hot box before we fry the Dorito.
It passes through a series of ovens, and at that point it's very much like a tortilla - it doesn't have its crunchy flavor at all. The heat from the oven actually pulls moisture out of each pliable chip and prepares them for a deep-fried dip. Once they hit the 300 degree corn oil, it takes a mere minute for the chips to take on their crisp. Then, it's time for a bit of flavor and to get that cheesiness - some bovines are working overtime!
It takes about ten thousand cows to make all the cheese for our Doritos. The cheese recipe is top secret, but what is known is that it's a blend of Romano Parmesan and cheddar with just enough spice to keep us on our toes. The word "Dorito" is actually a derivative of the Spanish word "dorado," which means golden or little bits of gold.
The Process of Making Doritos
Here at Frito-Lay's Frankfort, Indiana plant, these cheesy chips are made using a specialized process that involves cooking yellow corn and then processing it into a soft dough. This dough is then extruded into thick sheets that are secretly thinned out and stamped into a series of triangles. Once cut, the chips quickly make their way into a 500 degree hot box before we fry the Dorito.
The heat from the oven actually pulls moisture out of each pliable chip and prepares them for a deep-fried dip. This process gives Doritos its distinctive crunch and flavor. The chips pass through a series of ovens, which helps to achieve this crispy texture. It's not until they hit the 300 degree corn oil that the chips take on their final shape - and it's at this point that they're ready for frying.
Frying is an important step in the process of making Doritos. The chips are fried in hot oil, which gives them their signature crunch. This process also helps to bring out the flavor of the cheese seasoning, which is applied to the chips after they've been fried.
The Cheese Seasoning
So, what makes Doritos' cheese seasoning so special? It's a blend of Romano Parmesan and cheddar with just enough spice to keep us on our toes. The exact recipe for the cheese seasoning is top secret, but it's clear that it's a carefully crafted blend of flavors.
The cheese seasoning is applied to the chips after they've been fried, which helps to bring out its flavor and aroma. This process also helps to preserve the freshness of the chips, making them last longer on the shelf. The cheese seasoning is an important part of what makes Doritos so addictive - it's a key ingredient that sets the snack apart from others in its class.
The Origins of the Name "Dorito"
The word "Dorito" is actually a derivative of the Spanish word "dorado," which means golden or little bits of gold. This name was chosen for the snack because it evokes the idea of something valuable and coveted - much like the treasure that's buried beneath layers of crunchy, cheesy goodness.
The Name of the Snack
So, how did the name "Dorito" come to be? The origin of the name is closely tied to the history of the snack. In the early days of Frito-Lay, the company was known for its innovative approach to snacking - and the creation of Doritos was no exception.
The first batch of Doritos was introduced in 1964, when the company launched a limited-edition run of tortilla chips flavored with chili seasoning. The snack quickly became popular among consumers, who loved its unique flavor and crunchy texture.
Over time, the name "Dorito" has become synonymous with the snack - and it's clear that the company is dedicated to preserving this heritage. From its origins as a small-batch snack to its current status as a global phenomenon, Doritos remains one of the most beloved snacks in the world.