French fries, also known as chips, are a beloved fast food staple enjoyed around the world. While the standard French fry is generally around 3-4 inches long, some restaurants have taken French fry lengths to the extreme, competing to create the longest fries possible. These extra long fries, sometimes reaching over a foot in length, are more novelty items, challenges, and marketing gimmicks than menu staples. But they beg the question – what is the actual longest French fry ever officially sold?
What are French Fries?
French fries are strips of potato that have been deep fried. They are believed to have originated in Belgium, not France. The potatoes are sliced, soaked in water to remove starch, fried at a low temperature, and then fried again at a higher temperature to achieve a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. They are generally salted and served as a side dish.
Standard French fries sold at fast food restaurants and elsewhere are usually between 3-4 inches long and 1/4 – 1/2 inch thick. Thinner fries are sometimes called shoestring fries. Thicker cuts are often called steak fries or wedge fries. Crinkle cut and waffle fries are also variations with different textures.
Why Create Long French Fries?
While French fries of unusual lengths are not common menu items, some restaurants have made extra long fries for publicity stunts and records. This allows them to draw attention and set themselves apart from competitors. Some reasons restaurants create extremely long fries include:
– Competing for a world record for the longest French fry sold. This generates publicity and marketing for the restaurant.
– Using the French fries to highlight a special event or anniversary for the restaurant.
– Drawing attention to their food challenges or eating competitions. Restaurants may challenge customers to eat a huge serving of long fries.
– Demonstrating their cooking skills by precisely cutting and frying very long, evenly cooked fries.
– Providing a fun novelty food for customers to enjoy. The long length makes the fries more shareable and interactive.
– Paying homage to the tradition of French fries by taking them to the extreme.
Record Holders
So who actually holds the record for the longest French fry sold? There have been a few contenders over the years.
Fritesh, Brussels, Belgium – 78 Centimeters
In 2017, the Fritesh chip stand in Brussels, Belgium claimed to sell the longest french fries in the world, measuring 78 centimeters (nearly 31 inches). The long fries were sold in honor of the Brussels Beer Week festival. Fritesh used the tagline “size does matter” to promote the lengthy fries. However, there was some debate about whether these qualified as actual fries vs potato sticks.
Aldi, Australia – 110 Centimeters
In 2018, the grocery chain Aldi sold French fries in Australia measuring 110 centimeters (over 3 feet) long. These were created to celebrate the chain’s 10 year anniversary in Australia. Each bag contained just 3 massive fries. Aldi claimed they were the longest fries ever made. However, since they were a limited time product, it is unclear if they still hold the official record.
Farmer’s Oast, South Carolina – 122 Centimeters
In 2021, Farmer’s Oast restaurant in South Carolina created their own record for longest French fry. Their fry measured a whopping 122 centimeters, or nearly 4 feet long. This broke Aldi’s previous record. Farmer’s Oast hand cut and fried the giant fry in house, which took hours to cook properly. Customers could order the super spud for $40 as part of a challenge.
Other Contenders
While the above restaurants currently hold some of the longest recorded French fry lengths, other eateries have also created extra long fries as publicity stunts and challenges:
Seven Flags Festival, Reno
This festival in Reno, Nevada held a competition for the longest fries, resulting in some nearly 3 feet in length.
Steak ‘n Shake
The steak burger chain sold limited edition French fries measuring around 2 feet long in select locations in 2017.
Burger King
A Burger King in New York City created a 154 centimeter (5 foot) French fry in 2016 for National French Fry Day. It was put on display but not officially sold to customers.
Max & Erma’s
This restaurant advertised a French fry challenge involving a 110 centimeter fry in 2012. It’s unclear if anyone successfully completed the eating challenge.
McDonald’s
While not record breakers, McDonald’s occasionally sells limited edition extra long French fries, such as their “Grand Frites” measuring up to 7 inches in Belgium.
Current Record Holder
Based on the current documented evidence, it appears Farmer’s Oast in South Carolina holds the official record for the longest French fry commercially sold at 122 centimeters (nearly 4 feet). While others have claimed to sell longer fries, Farmer’s Oast appears to have the longest verified fry length. They broke the previous record set by Aldi in Australia in 2018.
It’s possible this record could eventually be broken by another restaurant seeking publicity. But Farmer’s Oast currently holds the bragging rights for the longest French fry sold to paying customers. Their specialty fry was hand cut, twice fried, and could be purchased for $40 as part of a challenge.
Table of Record Holders
| Restaurant | Location | Year | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmer’s Oast | South Carolina, USA | 2021 | 122 cm / 4 feet |
| Aldi | Australia | 2018 | 110 cm / 3 feet |
| Fritesh | Brussels, Belgium | 2017 | 78 cm / 31 inches |
The Difficulty of Frying Long Fries
Creating extremely long French fries presents some unique challenges for cooks. Fries longer than 1 foot require special care. Some considerations include:
Preventing Breakage When Cutting
Long potatoes must be carefully handled when slicing to avoid breaking in half. Using a sturdy mandoline can help cut uniform lengthy fries.
Cooking Evenly
The center of extra long fries needs extra frying time to cook through without burning the outside. The fries may need to be partially fried, cooled, and fried again.
Keeping Straight
Fries over a foot long can bend and warp during frying. Special fry baskets may be needed to keep them straight. Frequent turning helps them cook evenly.
Absorbing Excess Oil
Long fries have more surface area and can absorb more oil. Extra blotting and drying time helps reduce greasiness.
Preventing Burning
With more surface area exposed to hot oil, long fries are prone to burning before the center cooks fully. Lower heat and frequent monitoring are required.
Serving logistics
Extra care must be taken when plating and serving fries over 3 feet long. They likely require special oversized plates. Servers also need to carry and present them carefully.
Nutrition of Long Fries
Assuming they are hand cut rather than extruded, extra long fries likely have minimal differences in nutrition compared to average fries. However, their greater surface area means they may absorb more frying oil.
According to the USDA, a typical medium French fry provides:
Calories
– 110 calories in 10 medium fries (68g)
– 540 calories per 100g
Fat
– 5g total fat in 10 medium fries
– 25g fat per 100g
Carbs
– 15g total carbs in 10 medium fries
– 77g carbs per 100g
Protein
– 2g protein in 10 medium fries
– 2g protein per 100g
Longer fries of the same thickness would have similar nutrition in terms of their potato content. However their increased surface area means they likely absorb more oil during frying. This could increase their fat and calorie counts.
Cost to Purchase Record Length Fries
Since ultra long fries require special preparation, most restaurants selling them do so at premium prices. Typically they are offered in individual portions meant for sharing rather than as a side dish order. Some sample costs for record setting French fries include:
– Farmer’s Oast: $40 for a 122cm fry
– Aldi Australia: $2.99 for 3 fries, 110cm each
– Seven Flags Festival: $16 for a 91cm fry
– Steak ‘n Shake: $4.99 for 60-61cm fries
At most restaurants, the extra long fries cost 2-4 times as much as a regular side order of fries. They are priced more as novelty menu items or food challenges. The extra costs account for the special kitchen preparation required.
Conclusions
When it comes to the longest French fries ever officially sold, the current record appears to belong to Farmer’s Oast in South Carolina at 122 centimeters. Their nearly 4 foot long spud surpassed previous records like Aldi’s 110 centimeter fry in Australia. Other restaurants have created French fries over 3 feet long as publicity stunts and challenges. But based on documentation, Farmer’s Oast holds the verified record for longest commercially sold French fry.
While fun novelties, extra long fries over a foot present cooking challenges like preventing breakage, achieving even cooking, and excess oil absorption. They can cost up to 4 times as much as regular fries due to their special preparation. When it comes to French fry lengths, bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. But for restaurants seeking attention and novelty menu items, long fries can help draw interest and set records. The current record length stands at an impressive 122 centimeters, but future eateries may try to surpass this mark with even longer fries in their quest for publicity and fame.