Facts You Never Knew About French Fries

French fries facts: If you have ever wondered about who invented french fries, you’re reading the right blog. Believe it or not, potatoes aren’t native to anywhere in Europe. The spud crop is from South America, where it was first domesticated between 8000-5000 BCE in Peru and Bolivia. Eventually, potatoes were introduced to Europe through Spain via explorers who picked them up during their travels. The crop took root throughout the continent and became a major crop – and still is.

French Fries Facts: Where Did French Fries Originate?

And then came the French fries. You’d think they were from France, but legend says that’s not the case. According to Jo Gerard, a Belgian journalist, French fries are from his hometown, as he has a family manuscript dating back to 1781 that tells of deep-frying potatoes before 1680. But Jo’s not huge on showing anyone the manuscript, so, understandably, the world’s a little skeptical. If Jo’s story turned out to be untrue, fries didn’t arrive until 1735. But regardless of the manuscript’s authenticity, Belgians still consume more French fries per capita than any other country.

How Do You Eat Your French Fries?

Nowadays, French fries are popular around the globe, so it’s only natural that people dress them up in a variety of different ways. They’re most commonly eaten salted with ketchup in the US, but other countries have their techniques for enjoying these delicious potato sticks.

French Fries Facts: Condiments

Albania

French fries are known as patatis and are generally served lukewarm with grease.

Australia

Forget regular salt. The Aussies put chicken salt on their fries…and basically everything else too.

Bulgaria

So long dipping sauce. Bulgarians choose to deck their fries out with spices and sirene – a brined cheese similar to feta.

Canada

Some people say the way one eats French fries is what separates America from Canada. Canadians eat a special dish called poutine – fries drenched with gravy and topped with cheese curds.

Denmark & France

Generally, a condiment called remoulade is served with fries in these countries. It’s a mayonnaise-based sauce similar to tartar that’s flavored with curry, pickles, piccalilli, horseradish, or paprika. Or a similar recipe.

Germany

Germans often dip their Pommes Frites in a mixture of ketchup and mayonnaise.

Japan

French fries on this island nation are enjoyed similarly to those in the US, with the exception of seaweed seasoning, which is often sprinkled on top.

Mexico

Mexicans enjoy their fries with hot sauce and lemon juice.

Namibia

The land where French fries are called “slap chips” and known for being soggy and drenched in oil.

Netherlands

In this small country, you can get delicious fries wrapped in paper via street vendors and don’t have to worry about trying to walk and dip at the same time. They come topped with thick mayonnaise – but it’s thicker and sweeter than in the states.

Philippines

Banana ketchup? Really. Sweet, spicy, and great with fries.

Poland

Garlic cream, garlic sauce, or minced garlic – can you ever really have enough on fries? Poles don’t think so either.

United Kingdom

Brits enjoy their French fries – or rather, chips – with a delicious coating of salt and vinegar.