Where Did French Fries Get Their Name?
Where Did French Fries Get Their Name? The origin of the french fries has been traced back to Belgium, where historians claim potatoes were being fried in the late-1600’s. During World War I, American soldiers stationed in Belgium were introduced to french fries.
As the official language of the Belgian army was French, soldiers nicknamed the delicious fried potatoes “french fries.” The name stuck, and decades later we’re still giving credit to the wrong country.
One popular element of French cooking is food fried in deep fat. Hence, the term ”french fried potatoes.” In preparing french fries, the potatoes are cut in thin wedges and submerged in a bath of hot fat until brown. The same method is used for French fried onions, French fried shrimp, and fritters of all kinds.
Baked “French fried” potatoes have become very popular in the United States. They are wedges of potatoes that have been baked in an oven rather than fried. French fries are popular as an addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner and also as a snack.
In Belgium, people prefer to eat French fries with cooked mussels or with a fried egg on top. The United Kingdom is famous for its “fish and chips.” In the Middle East, fries are wrapped in pita bread with chicken, and in France they are served with grilled steak.