Abstract: Precooked potato products are prepared by a process wherein the potatoes are washed, peeled, and treated whole or cut into pieces. The so-prepared potatoes are cooked at a temperature below the temperature at which sloughing of the potato surface would occur if the whole potato were cooked to its center at that temperature. Then, the potatoes are heated in air and cooked again at a temperature of about 50.degree. to 100.degree. C. Following the last cooking procedure the potatoes are frozen, chilled, or retorted to preserve them in the absence of starch suspensions. To prepare them for consumption the potatoes can be fried or boiled.

Abstract: Precooked fruits or vegetables are prepared by a process wherein the fruits and vegetables are cooked to their centers at a temperature below the temperature at which sloughing of the surface tissue would occur if the fruits or vegetables were cooked to their centers at that temperature, i.e below about 81.degree.-83.degree. C. Following the cooking procedure the fruits or vegetables are heated in air and are then preserved.