CA2087287C - Process for preparing sliced potato products - Google Patents
Process for preparing sliced potato productsInfo
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- CA2087287C CA2087287C CA002087287A CA2087287A CA2087287C CA 2087287 C CA2087287 C CA 2087287C CA 002087287 A CA002087287 A CA 002087287A CA 2087287 A CA2087287 A CA 2087287A CA 2087287 C CA2087287 C CA 2087287C
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Abstract
Sliced potato products are prepared for refrigerat-ed storage and distribution while retaining the charac-teristics of wholesome, freshly sliced potatoes for a minimum of 45 days. The potatoes may be peeled, or un-peeled, and cut into any sliced configuration, such as French fries, crinkle cuts, or homefries. The potato pieces are then washed, dewatered, and sterilized in a hot oil blanch. The cut potatoes are then mechanically chilled and packaged in an inert atmosphere which uti-lizes CO2 as a component. The packaged potatoes are stored and distributed under refrigeration until ready for use.
Description
i2og7287 Inventor: Robert A. Hibbs, Ph.D.
and Wayne B. Durfey Attorney Docket No.: 8709 PROCESS FOR PREPARING SLICED POTATO PRODUCTS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to potato processing and, more specifically, relates to a process for preparing sliced potato products that results in the preservation 5of the fresh-cut characteristics of the sliced potato products for a minimum of 45 days without additives or preservatives.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
10Originally, commercially prepared potato products such as French fries and homefries were processed at the restaurant level. The characteristics of deep-fried potato pieces were generally considered superior to other potatoes prepared by different commercial process-15es. Typically, processing was minimal and the result was a finished product having a varied color, low sol-ids, and natural flavor.
As consumer demand grew, however, the in-house process became more and more impractical. Problems 20associated with offal (waste products, i.e. peels, trim) disposal, uniform quality of the raw product, in-house ~o~7287 storage space, and adequate supply forced large users to a processed frozen substitute.
The current popularity of processed frozen potato products is more the result of commercial feasibility than it is the result of preferred product quality char-acteristics. In fact, frozen potato processors have been unsuccessful in their attempts over the years to duplicate "fresh cut" potato characteristics. One draw-back with French fries from processed frozen potatoes is that the texture changes rapidly after reheating of the frozen product. Just after reheating, the product is crisp and shows good texture but, on cooling, becomes limp and soggy with a greasy taste.
In addition to frozen processors who generally distribute nationally, most major cities have local suppliers of fresh-cut potato products. These proces-sors have thrived over the years because they offered lower cost and their products more closely resembled fresh-cut potatoes. But these processors lacked unifor-mity across the country, and chain restaurants were unable to use the product since they require uniform cost control and quality.
Additionally, during the past decade, certain pre-servatives used by local fresh suppliers have been found to be harmful to humans. In the absence of suitable 2u8~7 preservative alternatives, these suppliers will be con-fronted with further debilitating problems.
Recently, there has been a renewed interest in in-house processing of whole potatoes. Restaurants that 5process fresh French fries advertise this fact to their consumers who have responded favorably. There is every indication that the characteristics of fresh-cut French fries are experiencing renewed preference by a growing number of today's consumers.
10Certain prior art patents for potato products pro-duced for refrigerated storage (e.g. United States Pat-ent No. 4,579,743 issued 04/01/86 by Hullah) cite the general preference for freshly prepared products. The popularity of frozen potato products, however, has been 15due to increased dining out frequencies and chain res-taurant demands for cost control and quality uniformity.
As is well known in the art, however, the quality of frozen potato products is adversely affected by nu-merous processing steps that achieve high finished sol-20ids and color uniformity at the e~r~e of potato fla-vor. In fact, with some prior art processes, starch and sugar have been so completely removed that the product, as consumed, takes on an oil and seasonings flavor more dominant than the potato flavor. Freezing also adverse-25ly affects the texture of potato pieces due to the rup-~0~7~87 turing of cells and the releasing of moisture and starch.
One alternative to frozen packaging and storage is controlled atmosphere packaging. In general, with con-trolled atmosphere packaging, the potatoes are washed and sliced, blanched to inactivate enzymes, cooked, and vacuum packaged under a controlled atmosphere. In gen-eral, however, due to processing and quality problems, this technology has not received widespread commercial acceptance.
A review of processes utilizing controlled atmosphere packaging, for example, United States Patent No. 4,957,761 issued 09/18/90 by Hale ('761), reflects the widespread use of hot water (up to 190F) for pro-longed periods of time (10 to 20 minutes) as a means of controlling color. This processing step adversely af-fects the solids content and flavor of the finished product. While the use of hot water may indeed create a white crust on the potato strip, it effectively reduces the starch and sugar to achieve this whiteness.
A water blanching step makes the outer surfaces of the potatoes even whiter and removes even more solids.
The solids are leached from the potatoes into the blanching water, removing some of the natural flavor.
It will also remove some nutrients and, especially, water-soluble vitamins.
20872~7 It is apparent that the above cited processes, including the Hullah process, fail to achieve the flavor and texture of a fresh-made potato product. The present invention, on the other hand, is directed to a process which effectively retains the natural color and texture, i.e. lower solids, associated with fresh-cut potatoes.
In addition, the manufacturing cost of the process of the invention will be reduced compared to other process-es that increase solids in the potato strips.
Moreover, the product of the present invention, as packed, will contain less than half the oil normally associated with frozen fries; and, while oil uptake in finish frying must be controlled, it offers justifiable health claims.
It is thus a specific object of this invention to provide a sliced potato product with minimum processing steps which, when French fried, has the taste, texture, and color variation normally associated with fresh-cut potatoes.
It is another objective of this invention to pro-vide a sliced potato product that can be stored for an adequate period of time between process and consumption without noticeable deterioration in color, texture, taste, or healthful characteristics, including microbio-logical quality.
X~)87287 It is an object of this invention to provide a sliced potato product having no artificial preserva-tives.
It is an object of this invention to eliminate the use of hot water or steam as a blanch or cooking agent which results in a reduction in natural sugar or starch.
It is an object of this invention to use an oil blanch as a sterilizing process rather than as a cooking process.
It is an object of this invention to allow for some textural enhancement associated with air drying, if pre-ferred, in specific applications of the invention. It is recognized, however, that air drying creates a higher solid content and some loss of flavor.
It is an object of this invention to minimize oil uptake in a finished, processed potato product to about 5%.
It is another object of this invention to provide consumers with a better tasting, more healthful French fry.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a method for preparing sliced potato products is provided. The method of the invention simply stated comprises blanch-ing and sterilizing sliced potatoes in hot oil and then ~U87287 cooling and packaging the potatoes in a controlled atmo-sphere that includes CO2 gas. The process subjects the potatoes to a minimal amount of handling so that natural texture of potatoes is maintained. Moreover, the solids content and color of the potatoes is maintained by the use of a hot oil blanch rather than a water blanch as taught by the prior art.
More specifically, the method of the invention includes the steps of:
preparing fresh potatoes by cutting, washing, and dewatering;
blanching and sterilizing the sliced potatoes in hot oil;
chilling the sliced potatoes;
packaging the sliced potatoes in a package having an inert gas atmosphere that includes 2 0 C2; and storing the package of sliced potatoes at a cool temperature until ready for use.
2 5 Potatoes processed in accordance with the invention have a shelf life of about 6 to 10 weeks.
Other objects, advantages, and capabilities of the present invention will become more apparent as the de-scription proceeds.
2~8~287 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a flow diagram of a process for prepar-ing a sliced potato product in accordance with the in-vention.
DETATTlT~n DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to Figure 1, a process for preparing sliced potato products in accordance with the present invention is shown. The process broadly stated includes the steps of:
preparing potatoes for processing including cutting, washing, and dewatering, step 10;
blanching and sterilizing the cut potatoes in hot oil, step 12;
draining excess oil, step 14;
chilling the potatoes, step 16; and packaging the potatoes in a package having an inert gas atmosphere that includes CO2, step 18.
A critical step of the process is step 12 in which blanching and sterilizing of the cut potatoes is accom-plished in hot oil. The process parameters of the oil blanch step are closely controlled to insure that the product has to the largest extent possible the texture, color, and solids content of natural potatoes. This is done by oil blanching at a relatively high temperature for a relatively short period of time.
~1)87287 In general, the initial processing step, step 10, is accomplished by techniques that are known in that art. The raw product may be taken as field-run potatoes (unsorted) from freshly harvested or modern storage stocks without special treatment. They are preferably of the Russet variety and, preferably, warmed prior to storage removal. (This is a reasonably normal storage activity that converts sugar-to-starch and helps to con-trol wide changes in color that is a natural process within the tubers.) Potatoes enter the factory and are washed and may be peeled or, alternately, may remain unpeeled. Trim-ming and defect removal are achieved by normal factory processes, and the potatoes are cut by the normal meth-ods. As an example, a suitable slicer, such as a model CC Urschel slicer manufactured by Urschel Manufacturing Company, Valparaiso, Indiana, may be used to cut the potatoes into a desired size and shape. Slivers, and short pieces are removed by conventional processes for use in other by-products.
As an example, cold chlorinated water may be used to wash and transport the cut potatoes. Prior to blanching and sterilizing, the cut potatoes must be dewatered by known techniques, such as conveying on an open mesh conveyor. Air drying may also optionally be used to enhance the texture and crispness. The time and ~87~X~
conditions of air drying must be closely controlled to prevent moisture loss from the potatoes.
From this point, the normal potato process changes dramatically from prior art processes, i.e. hot water blanching and hot water exposure are completely by-passed. As is known in the art, blanching heats the potato tissue throughout at time and temperature condi-tions high enough to inactivate the enzymes, which would otherwise cause oxidative darkening of the potato tis-sue, but not sufficient to soften the tissue enough for normal consumption. Normal blanching conditions range from about 3 to about 6 minutes at water temperatures of about 170F to 190F (77C to 88C). As previously ex-plained, a problem with water blanching is that it may adversely affect the texture, solids content, and color of the potato. With the process of the invention, the cut potatoes are subjected to blanching and sterilizing in hot oil, step 12.
The oil blanch time is relatively short to prevent overprocessing of the potatoes as previously described.
As an example, a conveyor belt transport through an oil bath may be used as a blanching method. The fry or blanch time may be varied depending on potato thickness and the depth of the potatoes on the belt. By way of illustration, the blanch time may be from about 1.5 minutes to about 3 minutes. The oil temperature may be about 360F (182C), and oil uptake may be targeted at about 5%.
The dwell time between blanching, step 12, and chilling, step 16, is used to drain excess oil. This may also be done by conveying with an open mesh convey-or. Chill time and temperature are also critical param-eters of the process but can be achieved by various mechanical refrigeration systems known in the art, i.e.
liquid nitrogen or CO2 refrigeration. The exiting prod-uct surface temperature is preferably between 28F and 32F (-2C to 0C) After cooling, the cut potatoes are ready for pack-aging. The product is promptly packed in modified atmo-sphere packaging, step 18, using suitable equipment.
The package is preferably a semi-rigid container, such as a clear plastic bag. The cut potatoes are placed in the plastic bag and a vacuum is applied to evacuate the package of oxygen. The evacuated vacuum bag is then flushed with an inert gas mixture that preferably con-tains CO2. The bag is then sealed to prevent leakage of the gas outward and to prevent penetration of air into the package.
Contrary to other prior art processes which utilize modified atmosphere packaging (i.e. U.S. Patent No.
4,957,761 to Hale), the process of the invention re-quires the use of carbon dioxide as an inert gas. This 2o~7287 is because the solubility of carbon dioxide in surface moisture produces a reduced pH due to the formation of carbonic acid. The carbonic acid has a sterilizing effect by reducing bacteria growth on the potato surfac-es. As an example, the inert gas may contain 25% CO2 and 75% N2-The product may then be packed in cases for distri-bution. A solids content of the packed processed potato pieces was determined to be about 27.3%. The product is preferably on-site stored at about 30F (-1C) + 2 and shipped at temperatures ranging from about 28F (-2C) to 32F (0C). Storage and distribution shelf life is 45 days minimum.
Control samples produced by the process of the invention and held for 45 days showed minimal deteriora-tion and achieved excellent color, odor, and flavor characteristics.
Microbiological test results were as follows:
coliform < 10 colony forming units/gram standard plate < 3000 colony forming units/gram staphylococci < 50 colony forming units/gram These values are lower than required governmental food standards.
Odor in the head space of the packages was that of good, clean oil and cooked potato. After 10 weeks, there was no appearance or odor change.
Refry time at the home or user is recommended at 1.5 to 3 minutes in 350-360F (176C-182C) oil in rela-tively small quantities. This is about half the normal fry time of frozen products.
It is apparent from the foregoing that a unique potato preparation and packaging method has been provid-ed. Potatoes processed in accordance with the invention have the color and flavor of fresh cut potatoes and contain no preservatives. While only one presently preferred embodiment has been described in detail, as will be apparent to those familiar with the art, certain changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the fol-lowing claims.
and Wayne B. Durfey Attorney Docket No.: 8709 PROCESS FOR PREPARING SLICED POTATO PRODUCTS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to potato processing and, more specifically, relates to a process for preparing sliced potato products that results in the preservation 5of the fresh-cut characteristics of the sliced potato products for a minimum of 45 days without additives or preservatives.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
10Originally, commercially prepared potato products such as French fries and homefries were processed at the restaurant level. The characteristics of deep-fried potato pieces were generally considered superior to other potatoes prepared by different commercial process-15es. Typically, processing was minimal and the result was a finished product having a varied color, low sol-ids, and natural flavor.
As consumer demand grew, however, the in-house process became more and more impractical. Problems 20associated with offal (waste products, i.e. peels, trim) disposal, uniform quality of the raw product, in-house ~o~7287 storage space, and adequate supply forced large users to a processed frozen substitute.
The current popularity of processed frozen potato products is more the result of commercial feasibility than it is the result of preferred product quality char-acteristics. In fact, frozen potato processors have been unsuccessful in their attempts over the years to duplicate "fresh cut" potato characteristics. One draw-back with French fries from processed frozen potatoes is that the texture changes rapidly after reheating of the frozen product. Just after reheating, the product is crisp and shows good texture but, on cooling, becomes limp and soggy with a greasy taste.
In addition to frozen processors who generally distribute nationally, most major cities have local suppliers of fresh-cut potato products. These proces-sors have thrived over the years because they offered lower cost and their products more closely resembled fresh-cut potatoes. But these processors lacked unifor-mity across the country, and chain restaurants were unable to use the product since they require uniform cost control and quality.
Additionally, during the past decade, certain pre-servatives used by local fresh suppliers have been found to be harmful to humans. In the absence of suitable 2u8~7 preservative alternatives, these suppliers will be con-fronted with further debilitating problems.
Recently, there has been a renewed interest in in-house processing of whole potatoes. Restaurants that 5process fresh French fries advertise this fact to their consumers who have responded favorably. There is every indication that the characteristics of fresh-cut French fries are experiencing renewed preference by a growing number of today's consumers.
10Certain prior art patents for potato products pro-duced for refrigerated storage (e.g. United States Pat-ent No. 4,579,743 issued 04/01/86 by Hullah) cite the general preference for freshly prepared products. The popularity of frozen potato products, however, has been 15due to increased dining out frequencies and chain res-taurant demands for cost control and quality uniformity.
As is well known in the art, however, the quality of frozen potato products is adversely affected by nu-merous processing steps that achieve high finished sol-20ids and color uniformity at the e~r~e of potato fla-vor. In fact, with some prior art processes, starch and sugar have been so completely removed that the product, as consumed, takes on an oil and seasonings flavor more dominant than the potato flavor. Freezing also adverse-25ly affects the texture of potato pieces due to the rup-~0~7~87 turing of cells and the releasing of moisture and starch.
One alternative to frozen packaging and storage is controlled atmosphere packaging. In general, with con-trolled atmosphere packaging, the potatoes are washed and sliced, blanched to inactivate enzymes, cooked, and vacuum packaged under a controlled atmosphere. In gen-eral, however, due to processing and quality problems, this technology has not received widespread commercial acceptance.
A review of processes utilizing controlled atmosphere packaging, for example, United States Patent No. 4,957,761 issued 09/18/90 by Hale ('761), reflects the widespread use of hot water (up to 190F) for pro-longed periods of time (10 to 20 minutes) as a means of controlling color. This processing step adversely af-fects the solids content and flavor of the finished product. While the use of hot water may indeed create a white crust on the potato strip, it effectively reduces the starch and sugar to achieve this whiteness.
A water blanching step makes the outer surfaces of the potatoes even whiter and removes even more solids.
The solids are leached from the potatoes into the blanching water, removing some of the natural flavor.
It will also remove some nutrients and, especially, water-soluble vitamins.
20872~7 It is apparent that the above cited processes, including the Hullah process, fail to achieve the flavor and texture of a fresh-made potato product. The present invention, on the other hand, is directed to a process which effectively retains the natural color and texture, i.e. lower solids, associated with fresh-cut potatoes.
In addition, the manufacturing cost of the process of the invention will be reduced compared to other process-es that increase solids in the potato strips.
Moreover, the product of the present invention, as packed, will contain less than half the oil normally associated with frozen fries; and, while oil uptake in finish frying must be controlled, it offers justifiable health claims.
It is thus a specific object of this invention to provide a sliced potato product with minimum processing steps which, when French fried, has the taste, texture, and color variation normally associated with fresh-cut potatoes.
It is another objective of this invention to pro-vide a sliced potato product that can be stored for an adequate period of time between process and consumption without noticeable deterioration in color, texture, taste, or healthful characteristics, including microbio-logical quality.
X~)87287 It is an object of this invention to provide a sliced potato product having no artificial preserva-tives.
It is an object of this invention to eliminate the use of hot water or steam as a blanch or cooking agent which results in a reduction in natural sugar or starch.
It is an object of this invention to use an oil blanch as a sterilizing process rather than as a cooking process.
It is an object of this invention to allow for some textural enhancement associated with air drying, if pre-ferred, in specific applications of the invention. It is recognized, however, that air drying creates a higher solid content and some loss of flavor.
It is an object of this invention to minimize oil uptake in a finished, processed potato product to about 5%.
It is another object of this invention to provide consumers with a better tasting, more healthful French fry.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a method for preparing sliced potato products is provided. The method of the invention simply stated comprises blanch-ing and sterilizing sliced potatoes in hot oil and then ~U87287 cooling and packaging the potatoes in a controlled atmo-sphere that includes CO2 gas. The process subjects the potatoes to a minimal amount of handling so that natural texture of potatoes is maintained. Moreover, the solids content and color of the potatoes is maintained by the use of a hot oil blanch rather than a water blanch as taught by the prior art.
More specifically, the method of the invention includes the steps of:
preparing fresh potatoes by cutting, washing, and dewatering;
blanching and sterilizing the sliced potatoes in hot oil;
chilling the sliced potatoes;
packaging the sliced potatoes in a package having an inert gas atmosphere that includes 2 0 C2; and storing the package of sliced potatoes at a cool temperature until ready for use.
2 5 Potatoes processed in accordance with the invention have a shelf life of about 6 to 10 weeks.
Other objects, advantages, and capabilities of the present invention will become more apparent as the de-scription proceeds.
2~8~287 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a flow diagram of a process for prepar-ing a sliced potato product in accordance with the in-vention.
DETATTlT~n DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to Figure 1, a process for preparing sliced potato products in accordance with the present invention is shown. The process broadly stated includes the steps of:
preparing potatoes for processing including cutting, washing, and dewatering, step 10;
blanching and sterilizing the cut potatoes in hot oil, step 12;
draining excess oil, step 14;
chilling the potatoes, step 16; and packaging the potatoes in a package having an inert gas atmosphere that includes CO2, step 18.
A critical step of the process is step 12 in which blanching and sterilizing of the cut potatoes is accom-plished in hot oil. The process parameters of the oil blanch step are closely controlled to insure that the product has to the largest extent possible the texture, color, and solids content of natural potatoes. This is done by oil blanching at a relatively high temperature for a relatively short period of time.
~1)87287 In general, the initial processing step, step 10, is accomplished by techniques that are known in that art. The raw product may be taken as field-run potatoes (unsorted) from freshly harvested or modern storage stocks without special treatment. They are preferably of the Russet variety and, preferably, warmed prior to storage removal. (This is a reasonably normal storage activity that converts sugar-to-starch and helps to con-trol wide changes in color that is a natural process within the tubers.) Potatoes enter the factory and are washed and may be peeled or, alternately, may remain unpeeled. Trim-ming and defect removal are achieved by normal factory processes, and the potatoes are cut by the normal meth-ods. As an example, a suitable slicer, such as a model CC Urschel slicer manufactured by Urschel Manufacturing Company, Valparaiso, Indiana, may be used to cut the potatoes into a desired size and shape. Slivers, and short pieces are removed by conventional processes for use in other by-products.
As an example, cold chlorinated water may be used to wash and transport the cut potatoes. Prior to blanching and sterilizing, the cut potatoes must be dewatered by known techniques, such as conveying on an open mesh conveyor. Air drying may also optionally be used to enhance the texture and crispness. The time and ~87~X~
conditions of air drying must be closely controlled to prevent moisture loss from the potatoes.
From this point, the normal potato process changes dramatically from prior art processes, i.e. hot water blanching and hot water exposure are completely by-passed. As is known in the art, blanching heats the potato tissue throughout at time and temperature condi-tions high enough to inactivate the enzymes, which would otherwise cause oxidative darkening of the potato tis-sue, but not sufficient to soften the tissue enough for normal consumption. Normal blanching conditions range from about 3 to about 6 minutes at water temperatures of about 170F to 190F (77C to 88C). As previously ex-plained, a problem with water blanching is that it may adversely affect the texture, solids content, and color of the potato. With the process of the invention, the cut potatoes are subjected to blanching and sterilizing in hot oil, step 12.
The oil blanch time is relatively short to prevent overprocessing of the potatoes as previously described.
As an example, a conveyor belt transport through an oil bath may be used as a blanching method. The fry or blanch time may be varied depending on potato thickness and the depth of the potatoes on the belt. By way of illustration, the blanch time may be from about 1.5 minutes to about 3 minutes. The oil temperature may be about 360F (182C), and oil uptake may be targeted at about 5%.
The dwell time between blanching, step 12, and chilling, step 16, is used to drain excess oil. This may also be done by conveying with an open mesh convey-or. Chill time and temperature are also critical param-eters of the process but can be achieved by various mechanical refrigeration systems known in the art, i.e.
liquid nitrogen or CO2 refrigeration. The exiting prod-uct surface temperature is preferably between 28F and 32F (-2C to 0C) After cooling, the cut potatoes are ready for pack-aging. The product is promptly packed in modified atmo-sphere packaging, step 18, using suitable equipment.
The package is preferably a semi-rigid container, such as a clear plastic bag. The cut potatoes are placed in the plastic bag and a vacuum is applied to evacuate the package of oxygen. The evacuated vacuum bag is then flushed with an inert gas mixture that preferably con-tains CO2. The bag is then sealed to prevent leakage of the gas outward and to prevent penetration of air into the package.
Contrary to other prior art processes which utilize modified atmosphere packaging (i.e. U.S. Patent No.
4,957,761 to Hale), the process of the invention re-quires the use of carbon dioxide as an inert gas. This 2o~7287 is because the solubility of carbon dioxide in surface moisture produces a reduced pH due to the formation of carbonic acid. The carbonic acid has a sterilizing effect by reducing bacteria growth on the potato surfac-es. As an example, the inert gas may contain 25% CO2 and 75% N2-The product may then be packed in cases for distri-bution. A solids content of the packed processed potato pieces was determined to be about 27.3%. The product is preferably on-site stored at about 30F (-1C) + 2 and shipped at temperatures ranging from about 28F (-2C) to 32F (0C). Storage and distribution shelf life is 45 days minimum.
Control samples produced by the process of the invention and held for 45 days showed minimal deteriora-tion and achieved excellent color, odor, and flavor characteristics.
Microbiological test results were as follows:
coliform < 10 colony forming units/gram standard plate < 3000 colony forming units/gram staphylococci < 50 colony forming units/gram These values are lower than required governmental food standards.
Odor in the head space of the packages was that of good, clean oil and cooked potato. After 10 weeks, there was no appearance or odor change.
Refry time at the home or user is recommended at 1.5 to 3 minutes in 350-360F (176C-182C) oil in rela-tively small quantities. This is about half the normal fry time of frozen products.
It is apparent from the foregoing that a unique potato preparation and packaging method has been provid-ed. Potatoes processed in accordance with the invention have the color and flavor of fresh cut potatoes and contain no preservatives. While only one presently preferred embodiment has been described in detail, as will be apparent to those familiar with the art, certain changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the fol-lowing claims.
Claims (13)
1. A method of preparing and packaging cut, washed, and dewatered potatoes comprising the steps of:
blanching and sterilizing the potatoes in hot oil at about 360°F (182°C) for about 1.5 to 3 min-utes;
chilling the potatoes; and then packaging the potatoes in a package having an inert gas atmosphere containing CO2 thereby reducing bacterial growth on the potato surfaces by the formation of carbonic acid on the potato surfaces.
blanching and sterilizing the potatoes in hot oil at about 360°F (182°C) for about 1.5 to 3 min-utes;
chilling the potatoes; and then packaging the potatoes in a package having an inert gas atmosphere containing CO2 thereby reducing bacterial growth on the potato surfaces by the formation of carbonic acid on the potato surfaces.
2. The method of preparing potatoes as recited in claim 1 and wherein:
said blanching for about 1.5 to 3 minutes limits oil uptake to about 5%.
said blanching for about 1.5 to 3 minutes limits oil uptake to about 5%.
3. The method of preparing potatoes as recited in claim 1 and wherein:
the chilling is performed to obtain a product surface temperature between about 28°F and 32°F
(-2°C to 0°C).
the chilling is performed to obtain a product surface temperature between about 28°F and 32°F
(-2°C to 0°C).
4. The method of preparing potatoes as recited in claim 1 and wherein:
the inert gas atmosphere is about 75% N2 and 25% CO2.
the inert gas atmosphere is about 75% N2 and 25% CO2.
5. The method of preparing potatoes as recited in claim 1 and further comprising:
storing the packaged potatoes at a storing temperature of between about 28°F (-2°C) and 32°F (0°C).
storing the packaged potatoes at a storing temperature of between about 28°F (-2°C) and 32°F (0°C).
6. The method of preparing potatoes as recited in claim 1 and wherein:
the potatoes are trimmed and peeled.
the potatoes are trimmed and peeled.
7. The method as recited in claim 1 and wherein:
the final potato solids content of the packaged potatoes is about 27%.
the final potato solids content of the packaged potatoes is about 27%.
8. A method for preparing and packaging sliced and washed potatoes comprising the steps of:
blanching and sterilizing the potatoes in about 360°F (182°C) oil for about 1.5 to 3 minutes;
draining excess oil;
chilling the potatoes;
evacuating a package;
inserting the potatoes in the package;
purging the package with a gas mixture of CO2 and N2;
sealing the package; and then storing the package in a cool temperature until ready for cooking.
blanching and sterilizing the potatoes in about 360°F (182°C) oil for about 1.5 to 3 minutes;
draining excess oil;
chilling the potatoes;
evacuating a package;
inserting the potatoes in the package;
purging the package with a gas mixture of CO2 and N2;
sealing the package; and then storing the package in a cool temperature until ready for cooking.
9. The method of preparing potatoes as recited in claim 8 and wherein:
chilling is performed to obtain a product surface temperature between 28°F and 32°F (-2°C and 0°C).
chilling is performed to obtain a product surface temperature between 28°F and 32°F (-2°C and 0°C).
10. The method of preparing potatoes as recited in claim 8 and wherein:
the gas mixture is about 75% N2 and 25%
CO2, thereby reducing bacterial growth on the potato surfaces by the formation of carbonic acid on the potato surfaces.
the gas mixture is about 75% N2 and 25%
CO2, thereby reducing bacterial growth on the potato surfaces by the formation of carbonic acid on the potato surfaces.
11. The method of preparing potatoes as recited in claim 8 and wherein:
the storing temperature is between 28°F (-2°C) and 32°F (0°C).
the storing temperature is between 28°F (-2°C) and 32°F (0°C).
12. The method of preparing potatoes as recited in claim 8 and further comprising:
trimming and peeling the potatoes.
trimming and peeling the potatoes.
13. The method as recited in claim 8 and wherein:
the final potato solids content is about 27%.
the final potato solids content is about 27%.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/823,583 | 1992-01-16 | ||
| US07/823,583 US5204133A (en) | 1991-04-25 | 1992-01-16 | Process for preparing sliced potato products |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2087287A1 CA2087287A1 (en) | 1993-07-17 |
| CA2087287C true CA2087287C (en) | 1996-11-12 |
Family
ID=25239157
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002087287A Expired - Fee Related CA2087287C (en) | 1992-01-16 | 1993-01-14 | Process for preparing sliced potato products |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2087287C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3860367A4 (en) * | 2018-10-03 | 2022-07-13 | Cornell University | Shelf stable potato product |
-
1993
- 1993-01-14 CA CA002087287A patent/CA2087287C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3860367A4 (en) * | 2018-10-03 | 2022-07-13 | Cornell University | Shelf stable potato product |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2087287A1 (en) | 1993-07-17 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |