Here are some fun facts about French Fries. What could be more American on July 4th?
- The average American eats 14 pounds of French Fries per year. So if you are not eating that much someone else is eating more.
The Average American eats 14 pounds of French Fries per year
Thomas Jefferson once served French Fries at a White House diplomatic dinner.
Thomas Jefferson served French Fries at the White House.
- Until 1930 Americans all referred to the food as “French Fried Potatoes”. Then people just started calling them “French Fries. No one knows why.
In the UK & Ireland, French Fries are Chips and Potato Chips are Crisps
- In many parts of the world French Fries are known as American Fries. Of course, in the United Kingdom and Ireland, people call them Chips. This continues to confuse American tourists who think people are talking about potato chips. (Potato Chips are called Crisps).
1 of every 5 meals in American restaurants comes with French Fries
- One out of every 5 meals served in American restaurants has French Fries as a side dish.
- French Fries come in varieties with and without the potato skins. The French Fries with the potato skins still on are actually better for you; since taking off the potato skin loses important vitamins. (Of course, if you think French Fries are a health food, you need to study up on nutrition.)
- There are over 10,000 different varieties of potatoes, but almost all French Fries are made from the Russet Potato.
So enjoy America’s independence with some French Fries. If anyone criticizes your culinary choice, just tell them you are following in the tradition of Thomas Jefferson.