All around the world, people enjoy French fries. They might be one of the most well-known foods, however, the origin of these fried potatoes is up for debate. Historians can’t certainly declare whether French fries actually came from France or Belgium. The name doesn’t ring true for its origin, but then again, maybe it does. What is for certain is that potatoes were introduced to Europe by the Spanish. Oddly enough, Europeans weren’t too fond of potatoes themselves at first believing they could bring diseases and can be harmful to people when they turn bad and green colored. Spain probably had the first version of fries termed “patatas bravas”. From there, the first documentation of the French fry recipe dates back to 1775.
Not matter where French fries beginning came from, Americans can say for certain they made them popular. President Thomas Jefferson made the consumption of fries one of American’s preferred food choices. The United Kingdom made a name all their own for French fries, calling them “chips”. Around the globe, French fries are present, but how they are eaten might differ. Dipping sauces vary. Americans use ketchup, in Belgium they use mayonnaise, and Canadians use brown gravy. McDonald’s is the highest seller of fries. In America, 7% of all potatoes get turned into fries. McDonalds alone sells 1/3 of total fry consumption in America. Each American eats nearly 30 pounds of fries themselves every year. Technically, potatoes are a vegetable, so this means the most eaten vegetable for children’s ages 2 to 4 are French fries. They aren’t as nutritionally “bad” for us as some may think. Fries do have magnesium, iron, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.
There have come to be many styles of the French fry. There are 15 known types some of which are waffles, steak, curly, crinkle-cut, shoestring, sweet potato, wedges, and then just that standard ones. We can make them at home fresh, heat up frozen ones, or eat them out. Not every type of potato produces good taste fries. The best types are the starchier picks, with Russet potatoes being the favorite. Typically eating them out just tastes better, and that’s because most places put them through the fryer twice. They become much crispier this way and then added fat punches in more taste. If trying to still stay on the healthier side, the thicker the fry, the less the fat.
In Belgium, there is even a French fry museum called the Frietmuseum. Back in the 1950’s, an order of fries was just 10 cents. We do not know where exactly the first French fry was made and eaten, but we do know that now, no matter where you go, fries are on the menu. They can be a side or a starter or a meal with loaded fixings. One after the other, we crunch them and enjoy them. It would be nearly impossible to meet a person who has never had a French fry. Now imagine is the French fry recipe was claimed by someone somewhere. Well, he/she might be found in our history books, especially in America.
French Fries – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
French fries | Nutrition, Meaning, Types, & Facts | Britannica
Fried Food Consumption and Cardiovascular Health: A Review of Current Evidence – PMC (nih.gov)
In defense of French fries – Harvard Health
Dr. Megan Johnson McCullough owns a fitness studio in Oceanside CA called Every BODY’s Fit. She has a Doctorate in Health and Human Performance, M.A. in Physical Education & Health Science, and she’s an NASM Master Trainer & Instructor. She’s also a professional natural bodybuilder, fitness model, Wellness Coach, and AFAA Group Exercise Instructor. She has 6 books on Amazon too,.
