Perhaps they used sassafras bark which is tasty and aromatic. Also elm bark makes a soothing syrup for sore throat and cough. I think we like french fries and popcorn because we ate crunchy on the outside soft on the inside insects in quantity in the past. Remember the chimps fishing in termite/ant mounds with little twigs.
Will you have fries, popcorn, or insects with your burger? Never thought of it that way, yet the question remains. Vegetable, vegetable, or protein with that protein. Think I’ll have the fries.