Origins & History
Not from France – French fries actually originated in Belgium. The name “French fries” comes from American soldiers in World War I who tasted them in French-speaking Belgium.
18th-century roots – The earliest known recipe for fried potatoes was recorded in France in 1755 by a French cook named François Pierre La Varenne.
Thomas Jefferson introduced them to the U.S. – He encountered fries during his time in France and served them at a White House dinner in the early 1800s.
World’s largest fry producer – McDonald’s is the largest buyer of potatoes and biggest producer of French fries in the world.
Fries were once a luxury – In the 19th century, fries were considered a delicacy served only in fancy French restaurants.
Names & Variations Around the World
In France, fries are called “pommes frites”, or just “frites”.
In the UK, fries are called “chips”, while what Americans call “chips” are known as “crisps”.
In Canada, fries are served with cheese curds and gravy in a dish called poutine.
In Japan, fries are often dusted with unique flavors like wasabi, matcha, or seaweed.
In India, fries can be spicy and served with masala seasoning and chutney.
Types & Cooking Methods
There are more than 20 types of fries, including curly fries, waffle fries, shoestring fries, steak fries, and crinkle-cut fries.
The longest French fry ever made was 34 inches (86 cm) long!
Air frying is a healthier way to make fries by using 90% less oil than deep-frying.
The perfect fry has a crisp outer shell and a fluffy interior. The ideal temperature for frying is 325°F (163°C) for the first fry and 375°F (190°C) for the second fry.
Fries can be made from sweet potatoes, yams, plantains, zucchini, carrots, or even avocado.
Cultural & Fun Facts
National French Fry Day is celebrated on July 13th in the United States.
In Belgium, there’s a tradition of eating fries with mayo, which shocks many Americans.
Ketchup is the most popular dipping sauce in the U.S., while mayonnaise dominates in Europe.
The average American eats about 30 pounds (13.6 kg) of French fries per year. So, in the US, the total consumption of fries is approximately, 124,000 tractor-trailer loads of fries. If you lined up those trucks bumper-to-bumper, you’d have a line 1,640 (2,639 km) miles long. That would stretch from New York City to Miami with a few hundred miles extra.
Fries are banned in some schools in an attempt to promote healthier eating habits.
Unexpected Facts
Potatoes are about 80% water, which is why fries shrink when cooked.
Fries caused a political controversy in 2003, when the U.S. Congress renamed them “freedom fries” during tensions with France over the Iraq War.
Cold fries taste worse because the starches crystallize and lose their texture when cooled.
The first frozen French fry was invented by J.R. Simplot in the 1940s, which revolutionized the fast-food industry.
Curly fries get their shape from being cut with a special spiralizer tool.
The most expensive fries are served at Serendipity 3 in New York City, costing $200 per plate. They are made with truffle oil, edible gold, and fancy cheeses.
Fries can be used as a makeshift spoon for sauces and dips, making them a popular finger food.
Loaded fries are fries topped with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and other ingredients, similar to nachos.
