Crunching the Facts: Top 6 Tasty Trivia Bits about French Fries in the City of Lights

1. Fry-dentity Crisis: A Belgian Invention

They say you can't judge a fry by its cover, but these crispy potatoes might be having an identity crisis: French fries got their name from the cutting style called "frenching," were likely invented in Belgium in the 1600s, and have since been claimed by the Belgians as their cultural treasure, earning a spot on UNESCO's list. Meanwhile, Americans have committed to a torrid love affair with fries, munching down around 30 pounds per person per year and making the dish responsible for 25% of all potato consumption in the US.
Source => tastingtable.com

2. From French to Freedom: A Patriotic Rebrand

In a dramatic culinary sequel to "Les Misérables," French fries found themselves embroiled in an act of patriots as they bravely rebranded to "Freedom fries": This gastronomic rebellion occurred in 2003 when a North Carolina restaurant owner renamed the beloved snack in response to France's opposition to the proposed invasion of Iraq, sparking a nationwide trend and even reaching U.S. congressional cafeterias, dining halls for the Coalition Provisional Authority, and Multi-National Force in Iraq during the U.S. occupation. Alas, as the Iraq War's popularity dwindled, so did the freedom-loving moniker, returning to their French origins when the trend initiator, Bob Ney, resigned. Vive la French fries!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

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=> Fun Facts about Potatoes

3. Fishy Origins: Fries' Belgian Debut

Potatoes in disguise, floundering in hot fat: the oft-called "French" fries actually originated in Belgium, where during harsh winters, inhabitants of the Meuse Valley mimicked their beloved fish creations by slivering potatoes and frying them to crispy perfection. This delectable treat soon swam its way to France and later onto Thomas Jefferson's White House dinner table in 1802.
Source => nationaltoday.com

4. Beef Tallow Benefits: A Healthier Splash

Bid adieu to fry-day guilt and embrace the blessings of bovine blubber: beef tallow is actually healthier than typical vegetable oils used for frying, transforming your homemade French fries into a delicious treat with a healthier twist – thanks, cows!
Source => theprairiehomestead.com

5. Pars-nips Ahoy: Meet Potato's Fancy Cousin

Who knew you could teach an old parsnip new tricks? Say "Au revoir" to potatoes and "Bonjour" to their long-lost aristocratic cousin from the root vegetable kingdom, decked out in its finest herbs and Parmesan regalia, ready to dazzle your taste buds and expand your snack horizons: When roasted, parsnips transform into crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside fries bearing a sweet and slightly nutty flavor, while also providing a low-calorie, fiber and vitamin-rich alternative to the usual spud suspects.
Source => wellplated.com

6. The Starch Connection: Picking the Perfect Potato

Feeling a bit "spud-taneous" today? It's all about picking the right potato when searching for that perfect fry-mate: Starchy or mealy potatoes with high dry matter and starch content are favored for making excellent French fries, while keeping sugar content low to avoid overly browned crisps.
Source => foodcrumbles.com