National French Fry Day
National French Fry Day celebrates one of the world’s most beloved side dishes – crispy, golden batons of deep-fried potatoes that have become a global fast-food phenomenon.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: Second Friday in July (changed from July 13th in 2022)
- Tagged as: Food Holiday
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalFrenchFryDay
- When was it founded?: Unknown
- Who founded it?: Origin unclear, likely started as a social media marketing campaign
History
The term “French fries” first appeared in print in 1856 in E. Warren’s “Cookery for Maids of All Work.” Despite their name, French fries originated in Belgium, where locals would fry potatoes in the shape of fish when the rivers froze during winter. The “French” designation likely came from American soldiers in WWI who encountered these fried potatoes while stationed in Belgium, where French was the army’s official language.
Timeline
- 1680: First documented potato frying in Belgium’s Meuse Valley
- 1802: Thomas Jefferson serves “potatoes in the French manner” at the White House
- 1856: First printed mention of “French Fried Potatoes”
- 2022: Date officially changed to second Friday in July
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July | 11 |
| 2026 | July | 10 |
| 2027 | July | 9 |
| 2028 | July | 14 |
| 2029 | July | 13 |
Observed
Major fast-food chains offer special promotions and free fries. People celebrate by trying different varieties of fries and sharing their experiences on social media.
Fun Facts About French Fries
- Americans consume over 4.5 billion pounds of french fries annually
- McDonald’s uses 7% of all potatoes grown in the US
- Belgium has a dedicated French fry museum
- The average American eats 16 pounds of fries yearly
- 37% of women prefer perfect-looking fries compared to 25% of men
Quiz
- Where did French fries actually originate?
- What year did the date change to the second Friday in July?
- Who first served French fries at the White House?
(Answers: 1. Belgium, 2. 2022, 3. Thomas Jefferson)
FAQs
Q: Why are they called “French” fries?
A: Due to American soldiers in WWI encountering them in French-speaking Belgium.
Q: Are French fries French?
A: No, they originated in Belgium.
Importance of National French Fry Day
This celebration highlights the cultural impact of this simple yet beloved food while providing an opportunity for businesses to engage with customers through special promotions and deals.
Related
- National Potato Day
- National Fast Food Day
- National Burger Day
- National Ketchup Day
- World Food Day
