National Fritters Day celebrates the beloved fried delicacy that consists of battered or breaded portions of meat, seafood, fruit, vegetables, or simply dough that’s deep-fried to golden perfection. These versatile treats can be enjoyed as both sweet and savory dishes across various cultures worldwide.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: December 2nd annually
- Tagged as: Food & Drink, Snacks & Desserts
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalFrittersDay #FrittersDay
- When was it founded?: Unknown
- Who founded it?: Origin unclear
History
The history of fritters dates back centuries, with the first written record appearing in 1665 when Samuel Pepys mentioned them in his diary. However, it’s believed that ancient Romans were the first to create fritters before introducing them to Europe. The technique of batter frying was later introduced to Japan by Portuguese and Spanish explorers in the late 1500s.
Timeline
- 1500s: Portuguese and Spanish introduce batter frying to Japan
- 1665: First written record by Samuel Pepys
- 1780s: Industrial Revolution makes flour production easier
- 2012: First Fritter Festival in New Zealand
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Dec 2 | Monday |
| 2025 | Dec 2 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | Dec 2 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | Dec 2 | Thursday |
| 2028 | Dec 2 | Saturday |
Observed
National Fritters Day is celebrated worldwide through cooking, sharing, and enjoying various types of fritters, from sweet apple fritters to savory corn fritters and exotic pakoras.
Fun Facts About Fritters
- The word “fritter” comes from Latin “frigere” meaning “to fry”
- Every culture has its own version of fritters
- Tempura is considered a Japanese fritter
- Apple fritters were featured in Martha Washington’s cookbook
- McDonald’s added apple fritters to their menu in 2020
Quiz
- What’s the origin of the word “fritter”?
- When was the first written record of fritters?
- Which country hosts the Fritter Festival?
(Answers: Latin “frigere”, 1665, New Zealand)
FAQs
- Are corn dogs considered fritters? No
- Can fritters be sweet? Yes
- Are fritters always deep-fried? Typically yes, but some versions are pan-fried
Importance of Fritters Day
This celebration highlights culinary diversity, cultural exchange, and the universal appeal of fried foods. It brings people together through shared food experiences and celebrates creativity in cooking.
Related
- National Corn Fritters Day (July 16)
- National Deep Fried Foods Day
- International Food Days
- World Baking Day