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MonDec 2

National Fritters Day – December 2, 2024

Fire up your fryers for National Fritters Day on December 2. Fritters are easy to cook, and they exist in different forms in cuisines all across the world. They can be sweet or savory. They can be an appetizer, dessert, or entrée. The first historical record of the fritter dates back to 1665, but we guess they have existed much longer than that.

History of National Fritters Day

The first recorded mention of the fritter was back in 1665. Samuel Pepys, a British Member of Parliament during the Restoration period in England, wrote in one of his diary entries that he would be enjoying some fritters before Lent. However, it is believed that fritters were first consumed by the ancient Romans, who later introduced them to Europe.

Fritters are used in many cuisines. The French beignets, Italian “bignè”, and Greek “loukoumades” are examples of fritter varieties specific to different countries. The custom of coating food in batter and frying it was introduced to Japan by the Portuguese and Spanish in the late 16th century. From this, tempura – deep-fried shellfish, fish, and vegetables – was incorporated into traditional Japanese cuisine. Similarly, the Indian pakora is a savory deep-fried cake containing meat or vegetables such as cauliflower and eggplant. Fritto misto is an Italian fritter-like dish of several types of food, usually seafood, dipped in batter and fried in olive oil. Another specialty is the flower fritter, which is basically deep-fried edible flowers like acacia, elderflower, and squash blossoms.

Fritters are easy and cost-effective to make so it comes as no surprise that there is a version in every culture. You can find fritters at restaurants, county fairs, and even on the street. The most famous fritters you can find in the U.S. are corn fritters. In the South, traditional corn fritters are made of melted butter, milk, flour, egg, and corn kernels. They can be baked, shallow fried, and deep-fried, and are served with cream, honey, fruit, or jam. You can add virtually any fruit or vegetable in these delicious fritters, making them a very versatile dish.

National Fritters Day timeline

1500s
New Techniques

The batter-frying technique was introduced to Japan by the Portuguese and Spanish in the late 16th century.

1665
Fritters Go on Record

The first known record of fritters is written by Samuel Pepys.

1780s
The Steam Mill was Erected

In the 1780s, during the Industrial Revolution, the first steam mill was erected in London, making flour production easier.

2012
The Fritter Fest is Born

Whangarei District Council in New Zealand starts their annual Fritter Festival.

National Fritters Day FAQs

Where should I celebrate?

You can celebrate in your kitchen or at a new restaurant. Just be sure to have fun and enjoy the food.

When is National Fritter Day?

National Fritters Day is held annually on December 2. It’s not to be confused with National Corn Fritters Day, which is celebrated annually on July 16.

Are fritters hard to make?

No, they are one of the easiest foods to make! There are thousands of recipes to try, and you can’t go wrong.

How to Celebrate National Fritters Day

  1. Fry your own

    Raid your fridge and get cooking! Making fritters is super easy, and the possibilities are endless. Enjoy a new recipe or a Southern staple like corn fritters.

  2. Try a new restaurant

    Not that you ever need an excuse to try a new restaurant, but celebrating a national food day is always a great reason. Honor the versatility of the fritter and try something new.

  3. Try a new cuisine

    Since fritters exist across various cuisines, why not try a new dish? You can take your taste buds on an exotic journey by having a Bahamian conch fritter and Indian pakora. Pick a place and find a fritter.

5 Facts About Flour That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Flour is prehistoric

    The earliest archaeological evidence for flour dates to 6000 BC when wheat seeds were crushed between basic millstones.

  2. It has vitamins

    In the 1930s, producers began to add iron, niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin into flour.

  3. Wheat is best for baking

    Flour made from wheat grains is the most satisfactory type for baked products that require a spongy structure.

  4. There are many types

    There are nine different types of wheat flour: cake flour, pastry flour, plain or all-purpose flour, bread flour, hard flour, gluten flour, unbleached flour, and self-raising flour.

  5. Corn flour is ancient

    Corn flour has been cardinal in Meso-American cuisine since ancient times and it remains a staple in the Americas.

Why We Love National Fritters Day

  1. It’s a celebration of culture

    Fritter recipes range across cultures, and food is always a great way to connect. National Fritters Day is a celebration of commonality across cultures.

  2. It’s versatile

    Savory or sweet, deep-fried or pan-fried, big or small, fritters come in many varieties. They can be a snack, appetizer, entrée, or dessert. There are so many ways to enjoy them.

  3. Fritters are delicious

    Anything that’s coated in batter and fried to brown, crispy goodness makes the most mouth-watering treat. Come on, who wouldn’t enjoy that!

National Fritters Day dates

YearDateDay
2024December 2Monday
2025December 2Tuesday
2026December 2Wednesday
2027December 2Thursday
2028December 2Saturday

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