French Fries Did Not Come from France
Doodlebrary
- Despite their name, French fries did not originate in France.
- The history of French fries is a bit complex, but they are generally believed to have originated in Belgium.
- In the late 17th century, French-speaking Belgians in the region of Wallonia were frying potatoes as a common part of their diet.
- The practice of frying potatoes quickly spread to neighboring countries, including France.
- The term “French fries” emerged during World War I when American soldiers were introduced to fried potatoes in Belgium and mistakenly referred to them as “French fries” due to the widespread use of French in the Belgian army.
- The name stuck and has been commonly used ever since, despite the actual origin of the dish.
- So, while French fries are popularly associated with French cuisine, they did not come from France but have their roots in Belgium.