National Frenchfry Day

A happy person holding a basket full of golden french fries, enjoying them with a smile. Summer vibes, picnic setting, sunny weather.. — National frenchfry day illustration

Are you ready for some fried goodness? It's time to celebrate National French Fry Day! Get ready to indulge in some crispy, golden, and downright delicious french fries. Whether you prefer them thin and crispy or thick and fluffy, there's no denying that french fries are the ultimate comfort food. So grab your ketchup or mayo, because we're diving into the fascinating history of these deep-fried delights.

When is Frenchfry Day?

It's national frenchfry day on the 13th July.

The Origins of French Fries

Contrary to popular belief, french fries don't actually originate from France. Shocking, I know! The story goes that they were first introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers who stumbled upon potatoes in South America. The French, being the culinary geniuses they are, played a major role in spreading the love for fries. They perfected the art of frying the potatoes to crispy perfection, hence the misleading name 'French Fries'.

French fries made their way to the United States in the 19th century. It wasn't until the 1920s, though, that they became the beloved staple we know today. And thank goodness for that!

The Internet Buzz

National French Fry Day has gained a lot of traction online. With 15 mentions detected in our extensive research, it's safe to say that people are seriously passionate about their fries. The most mentions were recorded on July 13, 2015. That's a lot of love for those golden sticks of deliciousness!

How to Celebrate

Celebrating National French Fry Day is as easy as pie... err, fries! Here are a few fun ways to join in on the festivities:

Visit your favorite local burger joint or fast food restaurant and order a supersized portion of fries. Go all out! Remember, it's a day to indulge.
Experiment with delicious dipping sauces. Ketchup and mayo are classics, but why not try something more adventurous like garlic aioli, truffle mayo, or even poutine?
Host a French Fry tasting party. Grab a few different varieties from different restaurants or make your own at home. Rate and compare each one, and crown the true champion of fries.
Take a stroll down memory lane and reminisce about your favorite fry moments. From childhood trips to the local fair to late-night drive-thru runs, let the nostalgia kick in.
Spread the love on social media. Share mouthwatering pictures of your favorite fries and use the hashtag #NationalFrenchFryDay. Your taste buds will thank you.

History behind the term 'Frenchfry'

1680

The Origins of Fried Potatoes

Although the exact origin is disputed, it is believed that fried potatoes were first introduced in Europe during the 17th century. French culinary historian Pierre Leclerc suggested that fried potatoes were first cooked by French chef François Louis, who was known for his innovative cooking techniques.

1781

The Introduction of 'Pommes de Terre Frites'

The term 'Pommes de Terre Frites,' meaning 'fried potatoes,' was first recorded in 1781 in a recipe book by French chef François Massialot. This marked one of the earliest documented uses of the term related to fried potatoes in the French culinary world.

1802

Thomas Jefferson and 'Potatoes Served in the French Manner'

Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, became a fan of fried potatoes during his time as the US Minister to France from 1784 to 1789. He brought the recipe back to America and introduced them at a White House dinner in 1802, referring to them as 'potatoes served in the French manner.' This led to their growing popularity in the United States.

1873

The Term 'French Fried Potatoes' Emerges

By the late 19th century, the term 'French Fried Potatoes' became more commonly used in the United States to refer to the popular fried potato dish. Despite the name, the dish didn't actually originate in France, but the term 'French' was likely used to indicate a certain cooking style or method.

1949

Shortening the Term to 'French Fries'

Throughout the 20th century, the term 'French Fried Potatoes' gradually evolved into the shorter and more commonly used term 'French Fries.' The shortcut 'fries' became popular due to its simplicity and convenience. Today, 'French Fries' is the widely recognized term for the deep-fried potato strips enjoyed worldwide.

Did you know?

Did you know that the average American eats around 30 pounds of french fries each year? That's equivalent to about 182 Big Macs! Talk about a potato addiction.