The impact of pretreatment semi-products on the texture of fried potatoes

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of time and temperature during the pre-treatment in hot water semi-products obtained from potatoes. This treatment results in leaching of reducing sugars and influences on the texture of fried potato products. Studies were carried out on samples of potatoes in the form of slices (having a diameter of 57 mm and a thickness of 4 mm) and sticks having a cross section of 10×10 mm and a length of 100 mm. The semi-products formed had a comparable weight of ca. 10 g. Prepared semi-product were immersed in demineralised water at temperature 20°C, 30°C, 40°C. The immersion time was 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min. Ater 10 minutes from frying ended, the products were subjected to loads in which unit cutting resistance values were measured (N:mm-1), which served as the texture indicators. The product shape, temperature of water for washing sugars and treatment time are statistically significant for product texture. Lower texture values are found in the slices. The sample tested significantly differs, in unit cutting resistance values, from other samples subjected to washing ope1ration.