“Would you like fries with that?”
This is one of the most common questions in foodservice in the United States.Whether dining out at a full-service restaurant or grabbing a fast bite at a QSR, French fries have become a ubiquitous side for many of our most loved dishes. Buthow did taking a modest potato, slicing, and frying it become so prominent? And are fries a uniquely American choice? Let’s find out.
The History of the French Fry
While the origin of the French fry isn’t entirely clear, historians often credit itto France or Belgium. After being introduced to Europe by the Spanish, the potato gradually spread throughout the continent. The problem? Potatoes didn’t grow well everywhere and had an off-putting bitter flavor. However, after several decades of tweaking and cultivation, the potato began to catch on.
It’s believed that Belgians began the process of frying strips of potatoes between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Legend has it that the poor villagers of Meuse subsisted on a diet of fish caught in the local river, which they would then fry before eating. When the river would freeze over each winter, and fishing was not to be had, the potato became a stand-in for the fish, and the earliest iteration of French fries was born.
However, this explanation has its detractors, as France and Spain claim the French fry and its subsequent rise to prominence result from their culinary contributions. In any case, in the United States, the term “French fry” was alluded to when, in 1802, Thomas Jefferson requested “potatoes served in the French manner” to accompany a White House meal. By 1856, the term “French fried potatoes” was being used in print, first and most notably in an E. Warren cookbook. The word worked its way into the English lexicon, and the unpretentious side dish began its ascent from humble serving suggestion to culinary legend.
Fries Around the Globe & Beyond the Burger
Today,French fries are a prolific side dish all around the world.
In America, French fries are often associated with fast food restaurants. While other side options have been marketed (we’re looking at you, apple slices), they couldn’t compete with thehighly revered French fry. Salty, fatty, crisp, and hot, the French fry makes a perfect vehicle for various burger-oriented condiments., That includes ketchup, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and, for some people, milkshakes! And, from a profitability standpoint, French fries are the obvious choice. They’re inexpensive to purchase, quick to make, and easy to sell. And if they don’t sell, they’re price-efficient enough to be discarded if they sit too long.
But hold onto your hats because there are other ways to eat fries! In Belgium, French fries are an indispensable component in moules-frites, a popular dish of mussels and French fries. According to lore, combining two inexpensive and plentiful ingredients enabled residents of the Flemish coast to create this iconic dish. And while it is much-loved in Belgium, it’s also popular in France, where the meal is widely featured on menus.
In France, steak frites, which translates as “steak and fries” in English, is a prolific dish throughout the country’s cafes. While the type of steak and sauce used in the preparation has changed over time and between countries, the quintessential French fry is an enduring factor.
Why are French Fries so Popular?
So why are French fries so popular? Indeed, other side dishes would pair well with a protein. While speculative, it is believed that French fries first gained a following in Europe, popularized by dishes including the previously mentioned steak frites and moules-frites. Subsequently, French fries became popular with American soldiers stationed overseas during World War I. When they returned home, they sought their new favorite snack to no avail. At this time, however, America was witnessing the renaissance of the modern fast-food restaurant. Inexpensive to prepare and with an already established clientele, White Castle began offering French fries with their hamburgers. The rest, as they say, is history.
The French fry’s meteoric rise from a humble fish substitute to the world’s quintessential culinary accompaniment has been a long time in the making. Thus, we encourage you to celebrate (and, of course, eat) the world’s greatest and most revered side dish.
No matter how you serve this world favorite, it’s important to be sure that your fries are crispy on the outside and tender inside. No one likes soggy fries or ones that are hard and overcooked. The best fries start with having the right Pitco fryer. Our online selector makes it easy to find the perfect fryerfor your foodservice needs.
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