The Fascinating History of French Fries: From Belgium to Global Fame
French fries are a beloved side dish, often paired with burgers, fried chicken, grilled steak, and fried fish. These crispy potato fritters have various cultural adaptations. In Belgium, they are enjoyed with cooked mussels or a fried egg. The UK is famous for its fish and chips, while in the Middle East, fries are a popular snack with pita bread and fillings like shawarma. Canada’s poutine features fries with cheese curds and brown gravy. In India its paired with burgers etc , are salted and may be served with ketchup, mayonnaise, tomato sauce, or other sauces.
The Origin Story
Despite its name and popularity, the French fries are not French. The origins can be found in Belgium, where historians claim potatoes were being fried in the late-1600s. According to Belgian lore, poor villagers living in Meuse Valley would often ate small fried fish they caught in the river. During the winter months when the river froze, fishing would become an impossible task and forced villagers to find other sources of food
This is when the villagers turned to the root plant, potatoes, slicing and frying them just like the way they prepared fish.American soldiers were first introduced to the fries while they were stationed in Belgium during World War I.
How Did French Fries Get Their Name?
According to an early 19th century manuscript written by then-US President Thomas Jefferson, he talks about a dish called ‘Pommes de terre frites en petites tranches’ (Potatoes deep-fried while raw, in small slices). Some historians have claimed that this recipe came from the French chef, Honoré Julien. By 1850s, this recipe gained so much popularity that it became a mainstay in several American cookbooks as ‘𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐞𝐬’.
Interesting Facts
- Belgium is home to the world’s first and only French Fry Museum.
- National French Fry Day is celebrated in the US on July 12.
- In 2014, Belgium sought cultural heritage status for their fries, traditionally sold in paper cones from “fritkots” (shacks or trailers).
- Previously, National French Fry Day was celebrated on July 13 each year. However, Checkers and Rally’s fast food restaurants reportedly petitioned the National Day Calendar in 2022 to change the date to the second Friday in July.
Why Are French Fries So Popular?
French fries gained popularity in Europe with dishes like steak frites and moules-frites. American soldiers stationed overseas during World War I brought their love for fries back home. The rise of fast-food restaurants, like White Castle, further cemented their place as a favorite side dish.
Amidst the ever-evolving landscape of gastronomy, French fries stand as a timeless indulgence, inviting all to savor the crispy goodness and rich history encapsulated in each golden bite.
