National French Frie Day

Crispy golden french fries next to an old-fashioned red ketchup bottle. Retro diner style with checkered tablecloth and jukebox in the background.. — National french frie day illustration

Ah, National French Fry Day! The delectable celebration of all things crispy, golden, and potato-based. Get ready to dive into the fascinating history behind this beloved snack and learn some fun facts along the way. Whether you're a french fry connoisseur or just enjoy the occasional fry-up, this article will make you appreciate the humble spud in a whole new light.

When is French Frie Day?

It's national french frie day on the 13th July.

The Origin Story of National French Fry Day

Every year on July 13th, food enthusiasts unite to pay homage to the irresistibly crunchy and oh-so-delicious french fry. But how did this glorious day come into existence? Well, it all started with a burst of online chatter back in 2015, when the internet erupted with excitement over this classic side dish.

Social media platforms were flooded with hashtags, mouthwatering pictures, and heartwarming tales of french fry love. People couldn't get enough of these crispy delights, and it quickly became clear that something needed to be done to honor their greatness.

And so, National French Fry Day was born! A day dedicated to savoring the simple joy of sinking your teeth into a perfectly seasoned, golden-brown fry. It's a time to celebrate the art of frying, the variety of dipping sauces that accompany them, and the friendships forged over shared plates of fries.

Fun French Fry Facts

Now that you know the backstory, here are some fascinating french fry facts to impress your friends with:

The average American eats about 29 pounds of french fries each year. That's a whole lot of spuds!
The largest order of french fries ever made weighed a whopping 7,357 pounds. Talk about a super-sized serving!
French fries weren't actually invented in France. They were first introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers who encountered fried potato dishes in South America.
Thomas Jefferson is credited with introducing french fries to the United States. He served them at a White House dinner in 1802, and the rest is history.

So, whether you prefer your fries shoestring thin, curly, waffle-cut, or loaded with toppings, National French Fry Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in this beloved comfort food. Gather your loved ones, head to your favorite burger joint or sports bar, and feast on these crispy delights. Don't forget to snap a picture and share your fry-filled adventures on social media using the hashtag #NationalFrenchFryDay!

History behind the term 'French Frie'

1690

Origins of Fried Potatoes

The history of French fries can be traced back to the late 17th century in France. It is believed that the practice of frying thin slices of potatoes originated in the Pont Neuf region of Paris. Street vendors would sell these golden, crispy treats, which were called 'frites' in French.

1600s

The earliest mention

The term 'french fry' originated in the late 1600s in France. The French began slicing potatoes into long, thin strips and frying them. These early versions of french fries were said to have been enjoyed by French soldiers and were known as 'pommes frites,' meaning 'fried potatoes.'

1690

The Birth of French Frie

French fries were born in 17th century France. They were introduced by French chef François Louis Poitau who was known for his innovative cooking techniques. He started cutting potatoes into long, thin strips and frying them until they turned golden and crispy. This new culinary creation became a sensation among the French nobility, and it quickly gained popularity across France.

Late 1700s

Introduction to America

French fries made their way to the United States via Thomas Jefferson. While serving as the American ambassador to France, Jefferson became enamored with French cuisine, including their fried potatoes. He brought the recipe back to the U.S., and by the late 1700s, french fries had gained popularity.

1789

French-American Connection

During the late 18th century, French fries gained popularity in the United States. They were introduced by French immigrants who settled in New Orleans. The term 'French fries' became associated with this delicious snack, as it was commonly prepared by these French-speaking immigrants.

1802

Thomas Jefferson Paves the Way

While French fries were loved in France, they were relatively unknown in the United States. It was not until 1802 that French fries made their way to the American culinary scene. Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, encountered French fries during his time as US Minister to France. He loved them so much that he is often credited with introducing them to America upon his return. Jefferson even had them served at the White House during his presidency, cementing their place in American cuisine.

1875

Deep-Fried to Perfection

The process of deep-frying French fries in vegetable oil was perfected in 1875 by a New York chef named George Crum. Legend has it that a customer at Crum's restaurant complained that his fries were too thick and not crispy enough. In response, Crum thinly sliced the potatoes, fried them until they were golden brown, and then generously seasoned them with salt. The customer loved the result, and Crum's creation, known as Saratoga chips, became an instant hit. The thin, deep-fried potatoes were the precursor to the French fries we know and love today.

Mid-1800s

Popularity with street vendors

In the mid-1800s, as more immigrants arrived in America, the popularity of french fries grew. Street vendors started selling this crispy snack in major cities such as New York and Philadelphia. The relatively simple and affordable preparation made it accessible to a wide range of people.

1870

America's Love for Fries

French fries quickly became a beloved food in America. They were commonly served in diners, restaurants, and fast food joints across the nation. The popularity of French fries grew even more with the rise of fast-food chains like McDonald's, who made them a staple in their menus.

1915

The Term 'French Frie' Emerges

The term 'French fries' became widely used in the early 20th century. During World War I, American soldiers stationed in France were introduced to this popular dish. When they returned home, they brought with them a love for French fries. The term 'French fries' originated from the fact that the French method of deep-frying potatoes was distinct and different from other methods around the world. Over time, the term 'French fries' became the standard name for these delicious fried potato strips.

Early 1900s

Rise of fast food chains

With the rise of fast food chains in the early 1900s, french fries found a permanent place on menus. McDonald's, founded in 1940, played a significant role in popularizing french fries as a staple fast food item. The standardized, perfectly-cut, and heavily salted fries became an iconic part of their menu.

1918

Adjusting 'frites' to 'fries'

As French fries became more popular, the term 'frites' started to be pronounced as 'fries' in English. This linguistic shift occurred naturally as English speakers adapted the term to fit their language. From then on, 'French fries' became the commonly used name for the dish.

1949

Frozen Fries Revolution

The introduction of frozen French fries revolutionized the industry. In 1949, the Ore-Ida company started selling frozen French fries that could be cooked at home. This made French fries accessible to households across America, and their consumption skyrocketed.

Present Day

Global indulgence

Today, french fries are loved and enjoyed worldwide. They come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, reflecting different cuisines and cultures. French fries have even become a symbol of fast food culture, representing indulgence and comfort food for many people.

1984

National French Fry Day

In 1984, National French Fry Day was created in the United States to celebrate the beloved fried potato snack. Observed annually on July 13th, it serves as a day to revel in the taste and cultural significance of French fries.