Chapter 5

The frozen french fries given to McDonald's corporation by J.R. Simplot were the most popular thing on the menu. Over the hamburgers. I was surprised at this. Yes, McDonald's fries are good, but if you let them sit around they become disgusting. I would also think now with such a nation that puts obese people down and thinks everyone should be thin that the fries would be down on the list. At least the burger gives you protein, the fries just add extra fat and grease.

Most potato farmers have given up on potato farming. For every $1.50 you spend at a fast food restaurant that farmer may get 2 cents. I believe this, but I'm still on the fence. Wouldn't the corporation give more money to the farmers who drive their business?

The production for frozen french fries has become a completive business. The three biggest companies: Simplot, Lamb Weston, and McCain now control about 80 percent of the American market for frozen french fries, having eliminated of acquired most of their rivals. I didn't know making french fries could be such a business. When I order my fried from a fast food restaurant, I figure they come from McDonald's or Chick-Fil-A, not Simplot or McCain.

Does anyone know why they are called french fries anyway? I don't think the French invented them...