A manuscript dated 1781 recounts the earliest record of french fries or “fried potatoes” being as early as 1680 in present-day Belgium stating, “The inhabitants of Namur, Andenne, had the custom of fishing in the Meuse for small fish and frying, especially amount the poor, but when the river was frozen and fishing became hazardous, they cut potatoes in the form of small fish and put them in a fryer.” It isn't known how or where the term “French fries” began, but some speculate that it came about during World War I when the Americans arrived in Belgium and were introduced to “Belgian fries”, as the official language of the Belgium army was French. Then, after the May 1940 Wehrmacht invasion of Belgium, Adolf Hitler attempted to ban “french fries” because they were so widely used by the Belgian resistance due to the availability and simplicity. Today, French fries are one of the most consumed foods in the United States. As a matter of fact, a recent study indicated that the average American consumes a total of twenty-nine pounds of french fries every single year. Across the globe, french fries are an extremely popular food choice and yet they can be eaten in a variety of different ways. In France, french fries are commonly sold from a hot food display stand and are eaten one by one using a toothpick and dipped in warm mayonnaise. In Spain, fried potatoes are called "patatas bravas", in which the potatoes are cut into irregular shapes and seasoned with a spicy tomato sauce. No matter how they are consumed or what they are called, one thing is certain: French fries will always be a favorite food around the world and are here to stay. Atlantic Food Bars (http://www.atlanticfoodbars.com) food service industry’s most successful hot food display, retailers and institutional feeders.
Related Articles -
Hot, Food, Display,
|