Many Americans attribute French fries to the French, while we ourselves think they are Belgian. On the origin of the recipe itself, one of the theories asserts that they first appeared in the territories that would later become Belgium, from the eighteenth century.

 

But why “French” and not “Belgian” then? Let us first explain the so-called “Irish” theory, according to which the French fries have in fact nothing French. It would only be a case of homonymy. In old Irish, “to french” means “cut into pieces” and would therefore have nothing to do with the adjective “French.” After the Great Famine (1845-1851), the Irish deserted their territory to travel to the United States, Canada and other Anglo-Saxon countries, carrying with them the term and concept of «French fries. »

 

It’s hard to find a fry specialist to help us see more clearly, but fortunately, the Frietmuseum in Bruges, Belgium is here. Lucy, one of the employees, gives us her so-called “Poilu” theory: “During the First World War, Anglo-Saxon soldiers fighting on the front lines met soldiers who spoke French, and they thought they were French, while they were Belgians!” For them, it was obvious that these delicious potato sticks eaten by these soldiers came from France, «that’s how they started to call them French fries, » she explains to us on the phone.

 

However, we must note that this explanation seems to be more urban legend, since the term «French fries» was used in the United States long before the Great War. The President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, known for his love of French cuisine, would have popularized the concept himself in his country, thanks to his French cook Honoré Julien. During a meal at the White House in 1802, he demanded that potatoes be served in the “French manner.” This version is also viewed with suspicion by historians, but there is little doubt that “French fries” were already popular during the 19th century, the term being used in cookbooks in particular.

 

One thing is certain: it is the success of the American-style “fast foods” that has exploded the consumption of “French fries” on the planet. One more culinary paradox.