National French Fries Day
About National French Fries Day
When is National French Fries Day? This holiday is always celebrated on July 13
National French Fries Day is today. One wonders why we call this a “National” day, as French fries are popular around the world. This July 13 holiday should be called an “International” day.
Its name might suggest a French origin. But, historians believe they originated in Belgium in the 17th century. When this was scarce in winter months, Belgians substituted fried potatoes in their diet. From Europe, their popularity spread literally around the world.
President Thomas Jefferson introduced French Fries to the U.S. In the U.S., they are the most popular fast-food item. Some of us get a burger, while others get a hot dog. Some people choose a chicken sandwich, while others opt for a steak bomber. But, almost all of us get these dishes served with a side order of French fries.
While they are called Fries, they can also be baked. And nowadays you can make them in an air fryer. Both of these methods cook the fries without oil so they are healthier for you until you add salt or other toppings. Any way you cook them, they are still high in starch and carbohydrates.
Did You Know? The U.S. Congress attempted unsuccessfully to rename them “Freedom Fries”.
"French Fries" in Other Languages
High in fiber, you can enjoy eating French fries anywhere in the world. When traveling, be prepared to place your order in the native language:
- In the U.S., they’re called French fries.
- In Belgium, they are “Belgium Fries”.
- The French call them “pomme frites”.
- The folks in Germany call them “pommes frites”.
- In the UK, ask for an order of “Chips”.
- Italians call them “patatine fritte”.
- In Spain, ask for “patatas fritas”.
- Folks in some countries call them “finger chips”
- They are also known as “Flemish fries”
Did You Know? Americans consume 30 pounds of potatoes per person per year. 25% of those potatoes are made into French fries.
You can call French Fries by many, many names. Just be certain to order or make French fries today in celebration of National French Fries Day. Despite the word “Fries” in their name, they can be fried, or baked. Depending on where you are, you will likely eat them with ketchup, salt, vinegar, mayonnaise, gravy, cheese, bacon, butter, or sugar.
How to Celebrate and Participate in National French Fries Day
Here are a few ideas on how to celebrate and participate in this food holiday:
- Eat them all day long.
- Make them at home or eat them in a restaurant.
- Have Canadian poutine. It’s fries covered in gravy and cheese curds.
- Use a French fry maker to make them from whole potatoes.
- Make fries for a snack. Add cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top of them.
Thought for Today
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History and Origin of National French Fries Day
Our research has not revealed who declared this a special holiday, or when it was first celebrated. It appears to have been first celebrated in the early 2000s.
Neither the U.S. Congress nor the President of the United States has proclaimed today National French Fries Day.
Considering the worldwide popularity of French fries, we believe it is more appropriate to call this an “International” day.
Definition of “National” Days – Find out why it is so important to distinguish and identify true national days.
This Day in History
In addition to National French Fries Day, here are some things that happened on July 13:
- U.S. Patent Office issues Patent #1. It is for a locomotive wheel design. Note: Previously, the Patent Office issued 9,957 un-numbered patents. (1836)
- Police charge former NFL Superstar running back O.J. Simpson with the murder of his wife. But, will the glove fit!? (1994)
- We celebrate the birth of Patrick Stewart, English actor, Star Trek’s Captain Jean Luc Picard, born on this day in 1940.
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More July 13 Holidays
In addition to National French Fries Day, here are more July 13 holidays we are sure you will enjoy:
More About Today
Find more about the “goings on” on this date.
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date in July. See what happened on this date in history.
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Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for National French Fries Day or just about any calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
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Ecards Send a free Ecard daily for just about any July calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Or, just for the fun of it!
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Did You Know? Besides National French Fries Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. What’s more, many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. July holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.