Why do we call them French fries?

In this episode of Smartest Year Ever, Gordy digs into the surprising global history of one of the world’s most beloved foods. From Belgian peasants to French revolutionaries, from American soldiers to fast food giants, this story has it all: miscommunication, cultural pride, and deep-fried international drama.

It’s Day 3 of Food Facts Week—and today’s episode might make you question everything you thought you knew about your favorite side dish.

Come for the fries. Stay for the geopolitical tantrums.

Sources:

• Leclercq, P. (2015). French Fries: A Belgian Invention? Food & History.
  

• BBC Travel. (2018). Why French Fries Might Not Be French.
  

• Smithsonian Magazine. Who Really Invented French Fries?
  

• National Geographic. (2019). The Surprising History of French Fries.
  

• McDonald’s Corporate Archives. Fry Preparation History.
  

• The Guardian. (2021). France vs. Belgium: The Battle Over Fries.
  

• U.S. Congressional Record. (2003). “Freedom Fries” Debate.
  

• Jefferson Papers. Monticello.org. Potatoes “in the French manner.”
  

#foodfacts #FrenchFries #dailyfacts #foodhistory #DidYouKnow #SmartestYearEver

Music thanks to Zapsplat.