French fries are, in any case, something humans across the globe love. This golden crispy thingamajig had to find its ultimate place on menus right at the heart of fast food, then casual dining, and even fine dining.
On National French Fry Day, celebrated annually on July 13, we take a special moment to pay homage to this universally loved snack. Thick or thin, seasoned or plain, French fries somehow charm the hearts of all.
History and Evolution of French Fries
The exact origin of French fries is disputed because while some theories point to France, others point to it first appearing in Belgium. One such theory details that in the late 17th century, villagers in the Meuse Valley of Belgium used to fry small fish they had caught in the river. When the river froze, they turned to frying potatoes as a substitute, and voilà.
What we now know as French fries. This term “French fries” gained common ground in America when soldiers, during World War I, used to be stationed in Belgium. They liked the recipe of fried potatoes and brought it back to the U.S., naming them as “French” fries because of French-speaking Belgians serving them.
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How to Celebrate National French Fries Day:
- Host a fry party: Invite some buddies over to have a fry-tasting party. Have varieties of fries, curly, shoestring, waffle, have meltdown potential, and give varieties of dips.
- Visit a Local Diner or Restaurant: Many eateries offer special deals or unique fry creations on this day.
- Get Cooking at Home: Make French Fries at home. Take fresh potatoes and use your favorite seasonings to make yummy French fries.
Origin of National French Fry Day
either is really not clear, but the occasion got highly accepted all over the United States. It is the time when fry lovers can indulge, appreciate this food more, and show their love for it. Enjoyment often takes the form of promotional deals at restaurants, social media posts with regard to French fry appreciation, and at-home cooking adventures.
Is National French Fres Day Celebrated in Canada?
National French Fries Day is observed with zest even in Canada. Canadians love French fries equally, and this is celebrated with equal zest. Poutine is a Canadian dish that requires fries to be topped with cheese curds and gravy.
Let’s make the Crunchiest French Fry at Home:
This homemade French fry recipe creates the crunchiest fries. And to get this perfect crunch, there are a few right steps.
Required Ingredients for the Best French Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Cold water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salt, to taste
Procedure of the Perfect French Fries:
- Peel and Cut: Peel the potatoes and then cut them into uniform strips.
- Soak: Now you have to soak these strips in cold water for at least 30 minutes to let go of excess starch from the potatoes.
- Dry: Drain the potato strips and then dry them with the help of paper towels.
- First Fry: Preheat oil in a deep fryer or deep pan to a temperature of 325°F. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes or until potatoes become soft and light golden, not brown. Take out and drain on paper toweling.
- Second Fry: Heat the oil to 375°F. Fry them again until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Seasoning: Remove and immediately toss with salt. And serve this cruncheist hot french fries.
Are French Fries Healthy?
French fries are yummy, but they are really more of a treat than a health food item. It is the process of frying that adds quite a number of calories and a significant amount of fat, this can be harmful if taken in large amounts. However, if one consumes fries as an occasional indulgence or snack as part of a well-rounded diet, then that would be quite healthy. Baking fries instead of frying or using an air fryer brings down the amount of added fat. Which could be more healtheri than oil fried fries.
French Fries Nutrition Content:
A serving size of about 3 ounces, or 85 grams, of French fries contains approximately the following amounts of the nutrients:
| S.N. | Nutritions | Quintity |
| 1 | Calories | 125-180 Kcal |
| 2 | Carbohydrates | 20-25 grams |
| 3 | Fat | 8-10 grams |
| 4 | Protein | 2-3 grams |
| 5 | Fiber | 2 Grams |
| 6 | Sodium | 500 mg |
| 7 | Saturated Fat | 2 grams |
| 8 | Vitamin C | 4 mg |
Nutritional content alters depending on the method of cooking or other toppings.
Innovative Ways to Enjoy National French Fries Day
French fries are one of the most versatile cuisines in the world. Here are some innovative ways through which you can enjoy them:
Loaded Fries: Top your fries with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions for a loaded delicacy.
Sweet Potato Fries: Replace your usual potatoes with sweet potatoes to get a slightly healthier, sweeter option.
Seasoned Fries: Experiment with new seasonings like garlic parmesan, Cajun spices, or truffle oil.
Dipping Sauces: Get away from ketchup with some new dipping sauces like garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, or blue cheese dressing.
Global Variations of French Fries:
If there is any dish that just disregards borders, it has to be the French fry. People all across the globe just love French fries, and across cultures, variations of this indulgent dish have been concocted, such as:
Poutine (Canada): Fries with cheese curds, smothered in gravy.
Chips (UK): Thicker and served frequently with fish.
Patatas Bravas, Spain: crispy potatoes served with spicy tomato sauce topping with aioli. Pommes Frites, Belgium: often double-fried and served with mayonnaise.
FAQs
What are the differences between the French and the Belgian ones?
The fries, or “frites,” of Belgium are fries with larger pieces than the French version and are normally double-fried to bring about a crisper texture. They are usually accompanied by mayonnaise.
Why do they call French fries?
It was actually in the United States that the term “French fries” stuck after American soldiers tasted the fried potatoes while they were based in Belgium during World War I. They used to refer to the French-speaking Belgians who served them as “French” fries.
Are sweet potato fries healthier than regular fries?
Sweet potato fries are a lot better than regular potatoes. It contains vitamins, particularly vitamin A, and fiber. But then, it depends on the method of cooking and the serving size.
How many of the most common dips can you name that people use with French fries?
The more common dips include ketchup, mayonnaise, garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, cheese sauce, and ranch dressing.
Can I freeze homemade French fries?
Yes, you can, but you have to fry them first, then cool them, and lay them flat on a sheet pan in the freezer. Transfer the homemade French fries to a freezer bag after they get frozen solid. Then fry or bake them straight from frozen.
Which type of potato is best to use in making French fries?
Russets have the highest starch content. which helps it to make a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
French fries are the easist, healthy and quick snacks. I personally make it twice a months, which could be the perfect snacks for our kids too. But now i am making it with air fry, whicn makes it more healthier and tastier too.
