History played a central role in spreading this crop. After it moved from its original homeland in the Andes Mountains to Europe in the 16th century, it was adopted as a major defense against famine thanks to its efficient cultivation and high yields. The recipe then evolved locally among the Belgians and the French before soldiers in World War I introduced it to America under the name “French Fries.” In the mid 20th century, fast food chains transformed it into a globalized product with standardized specifications that was easy to distribute.
