There are many theories and disputes about where do French fries originally come from. Here are some of the main viewpoints:
1. French Origin Theory
Time background:
French fries originated in Europe in the 17th century, especially in northern France.
Historical development:
French agronomist Antoine Parmentier began to plant potatoes in France in 1785 and promoted the promotion of this crop in Europe. At that time, there were many small vendors in Paris pushing oil pans and selling potato chips on the streets. By the end of the 18th century, merchants began to use larger oil pans to make potato chips, which gradually evolved into French fries.
Influence of dissemination:
With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, the production of French fries began to be industrialized. The emergence of frozen French fries allowed this food to be stored for a long time and transported over long distances, which laid the foundation for French fries to become a global fast food.
2. Belgian Origin Theory
Legend:
The Bruges French Fries Museum records a legend that in 1650, the Meuse River was frozen and fishermen could not catch fish, so they sliced potatoes into the shape of small fish and fried them. The first French fries were born.
Historical evidence:
In 1850, a mobile vendor called Mr. Fritz learned to make French fries in a restaurant in Paris and introduced them to Belgium, thus giving birth to the world-famous Belgian fries. In addition, Belgian media pointed out that fishermen on the Meuse River in Namur Province had cut potatoes into fish shapes and cooked and made French fries around 1780, but they were pan-fried instead of deep-fried.
Cultural characteristics:
Belgium has more than 5,000 fried fish shops, as well as a French fry museum and a national French fry practitioners association. Belgian fries are renowned worldwide, and its perfect fries are considered to be 1 cm thick. Belgium is also the world’s leading exporter of frozen French fries.
3. Other Origin Theories
American origin theory:
It is said that during the American Civil War, Kentucky farmers with a surplus of potatoes began to try to cut potatoes into strips for frying to extend their shelf life. But this does not quite match the naming and widespread spread of French fries.
Irish origin theory:
Regarding the name “French fries”, it actually comes from Ireland. In Old Irish, the “French”-sounding adjective simply meant “chopped.” Therefore, the term “French fries,” which literally translates to “French fries,” actually refers to chopped potatoes.
The exact origin of French fries is controversial. Although both France and Belgium claim to be the origin of French fries, the two countries have different ways of making and cultural status of French fries. Regardless of where they originated, French fries have become a popular food that people love all over the world.
