FRY ME TO THE MOON
When it comes to french fries, Canadians want the straight goods
Love fries but always feel a twinge of guilt when you indulge? National French Fries Day is July 13, so go ahead and order those batons of deep fried pleasure, and go all out with the ketchup, mayo, mustard and malt vinegar. Nothing is more comforting — unless your fries are smothered in gravy and cheese curds.
They can be cut straight or shoestring, crinkle or wedge, seasoned or curly, even hashbrown — nothing beats fried potatoes. According to nationaldaycalendar.com, the expression “French Fried Potatoes” first occurred in print back in 1856 in an edition of Cookery for Maids.
As well, it’s believed by some the term “French” “was introduced to the potatoes when U.S., soldiers arrived in Belgium during the (First World War) and consequently tasted Belgian fries — they called them ‘French’ as it was the official language of the Belgian Army at that time.”
A national survey conducted on behalf of McCain Canada revealed that in a head to head battle, 52 per cent of Canadians prefer french fries to 48 per cent poutine nationally.
In Quebec, the love of poutine is stronger than any other province at 65 per cent. The province that invented Canada’s unofficial national dish of cheese curds and gravy won’t call poutine a version of french fries any time soon. To them, it is its own unique dish. As well: Canadians don’t skip the dip: ■ When it comes to toppings, most people prefer dipping, almost 50 per cent choose dip, 35 per cent choose pour over/sprinkle and 15 per cent dip and pour over.
Men don’t share fries or are at ■ least less likely to than woman, only 49 per cent of men share fries compared to 63 per cent of women
We’re in love with the shape of ■ every cut of fry but the straight-cut fry is the leader with 33 per cent.
Close second in Quebec was the ■ shoestring fry at 27 per cent.
Check out McCain.ca for recipes.