McDonald's is testing Garlic Fries in San Francisco

A new flavor of French fries – Gilroy Garlic Fries – are currently being tested in McDonald's restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area. Using a purée made with world-famous garlic from Gilroy, California -- the Garlic Capital of the World – the fries are being served in four restaurants in the South Bay.

The new fries are made-to-order in McDonald's kitchens where restaurant employees toss French fries in stainless steel bowls with a purée mix that includes ingredients, such as chopped Gilroy garlic and olive oil, parmesan cheese, parsley and a pinch of salt. The garlic fries are part of a trend at McDonald's to experiment with regional flavors and food on its menu.

McDonald's French fries are one of the most-iconic items on the menu. The fries are made with North American-grown, premium potatoes – including Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, Blazer Russet, Ivory Russet, Umatilla Russet and Shepody. Once suppliers harvest the potatoes, they are partially fried and flash frozen. Once they arrive at the restaurant, they are cooked in a Canola oil blend and flavorings and served crispy and hot. McDonald's French fries have zero grams of trans fat per labeled serving.

The garlic in McDonald's new Gilroy Garlic Fries is grown in the San Joaquin Valley in Gilroy, California, approximately 80 miles south of San Francisco and nicknamed "The Garlic Capital of the World." The fourth-generation, family-owned Christopher Ranch in Gilroy is the largest garlic production operation in the United States and grows the garlic used in the Gilroy Garlic Fries.

Chef Michael Haracz, Manager of Culinary Innovation at McDonald's USA:

"As many people know, McDonald's is committed to listening to our customers as seen by All Day Breakfast."

"We're proud of the work done by local franchisees and the regional team to create this menu item with locally-sourced garlic and we look forward to introducing Gilroy Garlic Fries to our customers in the Bay Area."

Nick Vergis, Co-op President, San Francisco Bay Area:

"The response from our customers has been very positive."

"We enjoy giving our customers options and bringing this local flavor to our world famous French fries."

Pending positive customer feedback, the Gilroy Garlic Fries will be available at nearly 250 McDonald's restaurants across the San Francisco Bay Area in August.