National French Fry Day is a global tribute to one of the most universally adored snacks – the French fry. This scrumptious indulgence, known by a variety of names such as ‘chips’, ‘finger chips’, or ‘French-fried potatoes’, is a staple at fast-food joints and is cherished by individuals of all age groups. The day is commemorated on the second Friday of July (from 2023), a change from the earlier date of July 13th, following a successful petition by Checkers and Rally’s fast food chains in 2022.
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Unraveling the Origins of French Fries
The tale of French fries is as captivating as their flavor. Although the exact origins remain a mystery, these delightful treats made their culinary debut sometime in the 1700s. The term ‘French fries’ is used to describe slices or strips of potatoes that are deep-fried to perfection. An old family manuscript from 1781 sheds some light on their creation, revealing that potatoes were initially cut into fish-like shapes and served as a substitute for the fish typically caught in a few small Belgian villages.
The “French” prefix was added to the potatoes when American soldiers stationed in Belgium during World War I savored the local fries. Given that French was the official language of the Belgian Army at that time, it’s plausible that the American soldiers started referring to the fried potatoes as “French” fries. However, in that part of the world, they are still referred to as “Flemish Fries”, adding another layer of complexity to their nomenclature.
How to Celebrate National French Fry Day
This day is a unique occasion when we honor the simple yet magnificent french fry, a culinary masterpiece. There are innumerable ways to mark this day. Here are a few suggestions:
Host a French Fry Party: Invite your friends and family over for a French fry-themed party. Everyone can bring a different type of French fry or a unique dipping sauce to share.
Experiment with Dipping Sauces and Seasonings: While ketchup is a popular choice for most, some adventurous souls like to venture beyond the traditional and opt for something different. From ranch dressing, vinegar, mayonnaise, honey mustard, to cheese, the choices are endless. Additionally, chefs and food enthusiasts often sprinkle seasonings to enhance the flavor and zest of their fries. Whether you prefer a hint of garlic and onion powder or a Cajun-style kick, a perfectly crisped potato can cater to a myriad of taste preferences.
French Fry Art: Use French fries to create fun and edible art. This could be a fun activity for kids, where they can use different shapes and types of fries to create pictures or structures.
Discover Tasty Alternatives: French fries are not exclusive to potatoes. In fact, there are healthier alternatives that serve as a delicious substitute for traditional French fries. Some of these include sweet potato fries, jicama fries, parsnip fries, baked carrot fries, and Parmesan-Crusted Asparagus fries.
Invent a New French Fry Dish: Use this day as an opportunity to unleash your creativity in the kitchen. You can top your fries with chili or nacho cheese and jalapeños, or even more ingredients and give them a unique name.
French Fry Challenge: Set up a challenge with your friends to see who can eat the most French fries in a set amount of time. Remember to enjoy responsibly!
Explore Various Types of Fries: From regular, waffle, Belgian, steak, thick-cut, crinkle-cut, cottage, wedge, curly, shoestring, tornado, to the smiley face, today is the day when fries are celebrated in all their diverse forms.
Share the Joy on Social Media: Share your French fry adventures on social media using the hashtag #NationalFrenchFryDay.
French Fries
A Global Phenomenon French fries have evolved into a global sensation, with different countries adding their unique twist to this classic snack. For instance, in Canada, you can relish Poutine – a lavish blend of French Fries smothered in rich beef gravy and topped with cheese curds. In America, fries are often layered with bacon, chopped onions, cheese, and ground hamburger. The Mediterranean region offers Greek French Fries, fried in Extra Virgin Olive Oil and tossed in garlic salt, Greek Oregano, and your choice of cheese.
Wrap-Up
National French Fry Day is a day to revel in this universally adored snack. Whether you like them thin and crispy, thick and fluffy, or somewhere in between, there’s no denying the allure of a perfectly cooked French fry. So, on this day, let’s raise a toast to the humble French fry in all its golden, salty splendor. Happy National French Fry Day!
FAQ
Is there a National French Fry Day?
National French Fry Day is a global tribute to one of the most universally adored snacks – the French fry. The day is commemorated on the second Friday of July.
Is July 13 National French Fry Day?
The day is commemorated on the second Friday of July (from 2023), a change from the earlier date of July 13th, following a successful petition by Checkers and Rally’s fast food chains in 2022.
Reviewed by HolidayToday Staff
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