Once upon on a time, in the 1700s, potatoes were thought to be a food “unfit for human consumption,” and instead were fed to livestock and prisoners. Lucky pigs, lucky criminals.

As we know them today, potatoes — particularly the French fried variety — are something to be anticipated with every bite. When pipin’ hot, crunchy on the outside, lush on the inside and smothered in ketchup, french fries make the most delectable bite. It’s undeniable: French fries and ketchup are destined to be. They are the Beyonce and Jay of the culinary world, and they deserve to be honored as such. And just like pop’s power couple, ketchup and fries weren’t always paired together. To learn more about the history of their romance, study this informational timeline below.