Today, we are going to talk about one of the most iconic snacks in world cuisine: French fries!
Have you ever wondered who came up with the brilliant idea of frying potatoes in oil and in this shape? Or why they are called “French fries” in the United States?
Don’t worry, my friend, because in this article we will answer all these questions and more!
1. French or Belgian?
Despite their name, and after much controversy, we can affirm that French fries are not originally from France, but from Belgium. Did you know that?
As it is known, in the 17th century, fishermen who used to fish in the Meuse River (between Belgium and France) fried small slices of fish to eat.
However, when the river froze and they could not fish, they started cutting potatoes in the shape of fish and frying them in oil instead.
And so French fries were born.
2. Why are they called "French fries"?
The story goes that when the President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809), was traveling in France, he tried them and fell in love with them. In fact, he liked them so much that he even served them at official receptions, starting to popularize them throughout the country.
Years later, during World War I, they gained popularity when American soldiers discovered them while stationed in Belgium. Because the official language of the American army at that time was French, French fries were called “French fries” instead of “Belgian fries.” And so, the name stuck.
However, it wasn’t until they were served in baseball stadiums in the 1940s that they really became popular in the United States.
3. Differences between Belgian "frites" and French "pommes frites"
Frites – Belgium
They are locally known as “frites.” They are usually thicker than French fries. Likewise, they are fried twice to give them an extra crispy touch on the outside without losing the juiciness of the inside.
They are cut by hand and fried in beef fat.
Pommes frites – France
French fries are usually thinner than Belgian fries and are only fried once. They are cut with a special machine and cooked in vegetable or sunflower oil.
They have a crunchier texture and are less soft.
4. Vinegar and salt French fries
In addition, in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, French fries are traditionally served with vinegar and salt.
It is believed that the tradition of adding vinegar to French fries originated in northern England in the 1920s, and since then it has become a classic of British fast food.
Did you know that...?
The British consume around 1.6 million portions of French fries every day.
5. Shapes
French fries can be found in a thousand ways and shapes: curled, waffle-cut, balls, cubes, cylinders, etc.
They can also be found with countless toppings, like the ones you have on our menu.
Crispy Bacon Fries
BBQ sauce, crispy bacon and cheddar cheese topping
