Americans Celebrate National French Fry Day with 4.5 Billion Pounds Eaten Each Year
It might be safe to say that Americans love their French fries. The fried potato dish has its own national day – July 12 – and Americans eat more than 4.5 billion pounds of French fries each year, according to Grit, a rural lifestyle magazine.
While Americans and restaurants of all types seem to love French fries, not everyone knows how these sliced potatoes came to be. French fries are made from thinly sliced potatoes, which are deep-fried until crispy. They are typically served hot with seasonings or condiments and can have a soft or crunchy consistency depending on the maker’s preference.
There are various French fry styles, including standard cut, crinkle cut, potato wedges, curly fries, steak fries, waffle fries, shoestring fries, cottage fries, and more. Potatoes that are popularly used to make French fries are russet, Yukon gold, and sweet potato. Frying oils are up to personal preference, but they could include vegetable oil, peanut oil, canola oil, safflower oil, and corn oil – all of which have a higher smoke point than olive oil.
While “French” is in the dish’s name, multiple countries claim to be the originators of fries. In France, the first French fry recipe was documented in 1795 with Madame Mérigot’s “La Cuisinière Républicaine” cookbook. Belgium also claims to have invented fries, with lore dating back to the 1980s. Spain and Russia also have their own claims to the invention of French fries.
With National French Fry Day approaching, Americans are gearing up to celebrate their love for this beloved snack. Whether you prefer them crispy or soft, with ketchup or without, French fries are a staple in American cuisine. So, grab a fry and join in the celebration on July 12th!
