national-julienne-fries-day-august-12

National Julienne Fries Day August 12

Have you ever bitten into a crispy, golden strip of potato and wondered about the journey behind this beloved snack? National Julienne Fries Day, celebrated on August 12, pays homage to a culinary delight that combines tradition, technique, and taste. Named after the French chef Julienne Carême, these thin, evenly cut fries are more than just a side dish; they're a testament to innovation in the kitchen. Unlike their chunkier counterparts, julienne fries boast a quick cooking time and a crunch that's hard to resist, often accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces to tantalize the taste buds. From humble beginnings as a way for Belgian fishermen to warm their bellies, to becoming a staple in French cuisine, and now celebrated worldwide, julienne fries have carved their niche in the gastronomic world. So, why do we dedicate a day to these slender slices of potato perfection? It's not just about indulging in a delicious treat; it's about celebrating the art and history behind every bite.

Key Takeaway

National Julienne Fries Day is observed on August 12 each year to celebrate the delicious and unique flavor of julienne fries, which are thin, even strips of French fries.
Julienne fries have a history that dates back to the late 17th century and have become a popular menu item in restaurants and fast food chains, often served with various dipping sauces.

Timeline

1802
Pommes Soufflées
Potato chef, Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, published the recipe for ‘Pommes Soufflées’ which is considered one of the earliest versions of fried potatoes.
1853
Crisco
James N. Gamble and William Procter founded Procter & Gamble, the company that would later introduce Crisco, a vegetable shortening commonly used for frying fries.
1905
First French Fry Vendor
Friteshuis Vleminckx, the first vendor of Belgian fries, opened in Belgium.
1937
McDonald’s
The McDonald brothers opened their first restaurant in San Bernardino, California, serving fries as one of their main menu items.
1950
Frozen Fries
J.R. Simplot, a potato farmer from Idaho, developed the technology for frozen fries, which were later sold to McDonald’s.
1983
Julienne Fries
The term ‘julienne fries’ was first used in print in the ‘New York Times’.
2021
National Julienne Fries Day
August 12 is celebrated as National Julienne Fries Day in the United States.

Day Activities

  1. Kick off National Julienne Fries Day with a bang by hosting a fry-making marathon at home. Grab your spuds, sharpen those knives, and slice away to create the perfect thin strips. Don't forget to experiment with various seasonings – think beyond salt and pepper. Maybe a dash of paprika or a sprinkle of garlic powder? The sky's the limit!

  2. Take the celebration to the streets by organizing a local "Fry Crawl." Team up with neighborhood eateries to see who serves up the crispiest, most mouth-watering julienne fries. From classic ketchup to gourmet dips like truffle mayo, it's a tasty way to connect with fellow fry aficionados and support local businesses.

  3. Wrap up the day by sharing your julienne fries creations on social media. Use a catchy hashtag, like #JulienneJubilee, to showcase your culinary skills or your favorite fry finds. Engaging with a community of food lovers online can spark new ideas and maybe even start a trend. Who knows, your plate could be the next big hit!

Interesting Facts

1. Thin and Crispy Delight

Julienne fries are cut into thin, even strips, ensuring quick and even cooking.

2. A Chef's Legacy

Named after French chef Julienne Carême, known for his culinary innovations.

3. A Day of Indulgence

National Julienne Fries Day falls on August 12, celebrating this tasty treat.

4. Diverse Dipping Delights

Enjoy them with a variety of sauces, from ketchup to sriracha mayo.

5. A Twist on Tradition

Julienne fries offer a modern take on the classic French fry, beloved worldwide.

Why We Love This Day

  • Celebrating Culinary Innovation: National Julienne Fries Day isn't just about munching on some crispy potatoes; it's a nod to culinary creativity and the art of cooking. Julienne Carême, the chef behind the name, was a pioneer in the kitchen, and this day celebrates not only his contribution but also the spirit of innovation in food preparation. So, when you're biting into that perfectly cut fry, remember, you're literally tasting a piece of culinary history.

  • A Perfect Excuse for Indulgence: Let's face it, who doesn't love an excuse to dig into a plate of fries? National Julienne Fries Day gives everyone the green light to indulge guilt-free. Whether you're a fan of the classic ketchup combo or like to walk on the wild side with sriracha mayo, this day is all about enjoying your favorite fries. Plus, it's a great opportunity to gather friends or family and bond over some delicious food. After all, good times start with great food.

  • Exploring New Flavors: This day isn't just for the fry aficionados; it's a call to culinary adventurers everywhere to experiment with new dipping sauces and recipes. Ever tried curry ketchup or maybe a honey mustard dip? National Julienne Fries Day encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and mix up your fry game. It's about celebrating the familiar while diving into the new, making it a perfect day for anyone looking to spice up their mealtime routine.

Past & Future Dates

Month Day Year
AUGUST 12 2022
AUGUST 12 2023
AUGUST 12 2024
AUGUST 12 2025
AUGUST 12 2026
AUGUST 12 2027
AUGUST 12 2028

FAQ

Why is it called julienne fries?

Julienne fries stand out from their potato kin like waffle, curly, and crinkle-cut fries due to their slender, stick-like shape. This distinctive cut is dubbed julienne, a term borrowed from French culinary lingo. Given the method's fancy moniker, "Frenching" the potatoes is another way folks refer to the process, leading to the universally beloved nickname "French Fries."

Is National Fry Day a thing?

Absolutely! Imagine this: in 2022, fast-food aficionados were in for a treat when Checkers and Rally's called upon fry enthusiasts everywhere with an online petition aimed at the National Day Calendar. Their goal? To ensure that every year, National French Fry Day would land on the most appropriate day of the week — a Fry-day. Thanks to their crispy efforts, this delicious celebration now takes place annually on the second Friday of July, marking July 12 this year as the day to indulge in your favorite fried spuds.