The French place great importance on their food and drink. They savor each meal with passion and always appreciate their daily sustenance.
As a result, France is not only known as the fashion capital of the world but also boasts a culinary scene that is just as remarkable and distinctive. Here are 8 fascinating and appealing aspects of French culinary traditions.
1. French Lunch Breaks Are Quite Long
One of the most important aspects of life for the French is their cuisine. They enjoy taking their time to relish their meals, which is why their lunch breaks can last up to two hours.
So, if you find many offices and shops closed for two hours during lunchtime in French towns or smaller cities, don’t be too surprised.
2. Snails and Oysters Are Popular Dishes
Anyone who loves French cuisine will undoubtedly be familiar with the term “Escargot.” This dish is one of the most famous and renowned delicacies worldwide.
It features snails cooked with garlic butter and parsley, creating an unforgettable flavor. Oysters are also a favorite among the French, who often enjoy them raw with bread, butter, salt, pepper, and lemon, paired with a glass of wine.
3. Throwing Away Leftovers Is Illegal
Supermarkets in France do not throw away unsold or near-expiry items.
Due to their love for food, the French never want to waste any ingredients. Supermarkets in the country do not discard unsold or near-expiry items.
Instead, these products are donated to charities to help those in need and those living in difficult circumstances.
4. Cheese Consumption Is Very High
This is something the French particularly love and consume more than any other country in the world. Therefore, you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that there are over 365 different types of cheese here, along with over 1,000 “variant” products, and it could take years to try them all.
5. A Love for Frog Legs
This might be one of the strangest delicacies the French enjoy. Cuisses de grenouilles (frog legs) are often served with bread. It is estimated that the French consume around 160 million frog legs annually. This dish is especially popular in eastern France, particularly in the Vosges region.
6. Breakfast Is Not as Important as Lunch and Dinner
Their breakfast is usually simple, consisting of croissants and coffee.
While breakfast is considered the most important meal in many parts of the world, French culinary tradition differs. Their breakfast is quite simple, typically just a croissant and a cup of coffee.
Lunch is more substantial than breakfast, and dinner is given the most attention. This is the time when people gather to socialize and be with loved ones, making dinner a long and cherished affair.
7. Leading Wine Production and Consumption
France is one of the largest wine producers in the world. As we know, the French have a deep appreciation for their wine. Therefore, it’s no surprise that each French person consumes 60 liters of wine per year, more than any other country in the world.
8. Bread Must Follow Specific Ratios
A baguette measures about 65cm in length and weighs 250 grams.
The French baguette is world-famous. In French, “baguette” means stick or wand. A typical baguette measures about 65cm in length and weighs 250 grams.
Many cafés and restaurants in Paris even serve baguettes for free. It is estimated that around 10 billion baguettes are baked and sold in France each year. The country has also enacted strict laws governing baguette production, ensuring the correct ratios of flour, salt, and yeast are followed, and that each baguette weighs exactly 250 grams.
