Abstract: A first method is provided for in vitro selection of Lemhi and Russet Burbank potatoes for blackspot resistance using plant tissue culturing techniques. A second method is provided using at least one melanin precursor added to the tissue culturing media. The blackspot resistant potatoes produced from such methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to frozen hydrated par-fried potato strips comprising about 35% to about 55% moisture which when oven finished have substantially the same internal and surface texture as deep fried French fries. More particularly this invention relates to par-fried potato strips for subsequent finishing in an oven prior to consumption prepared by: (a) parfrying potato strips at an oil temperature of from about 270.degree. F. (132.degree. C.) to about 385.degree. F. (196.degree. C.) for a time sufficient to reduce the moisture content of the par-fries to from about 30% to about 50%, (b) hydrating the surface of said par-fries until the weight thereof is increased by from about 1% to about 12%, and (c) freezing said hydrated par-fries. The frozen, hydrated par-fries comprise from about 35% to about 55% moisture.

Abstract: Potato strips, which are cut from raw potatoes and blanched, are contacted with an aqueous solution containing one or more hydrocolloids to deposit a hydrocolloid layer on the surface of the strips. The potato strips preferably are partially dried before being contacted with an aqueous starch-based slurry to provide a starch-based batter coating over the hydrocolloid layer. The potato strips having the dual coating of a hydrocolloid and a batter, are then parfried and frozen. When reconstituted by finish frying in hot oil, the resulting french fries have an extended holding quality, remaining crisp and tender for prolonged periods after finish frying.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous starch enrobing slurry for coating the outer surface of a potato product having an as is solids content comprising ungelatinized starch and not less than 50% by weight rice flour, the method of preparing the potato product and the coated potato product produced thereby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making superior quality oven-finished French fries. i.e., French fried potato strips, by baking prebake par-fries in a forced air convection oven or impingement oven for about 0.5 to about 10 minutes at 325.degree. F. (162.8.degree. C.) to about 600.degree. F. (315.6.degree.) at an air velocity of from about 500 to about 10,000 feet per minute. After baking, the fries are optionally coated with oil. The oven-finished French fries of this invention are like deep fat fried French fries, which are superior in quality compared to the state of the art oven-finished French fries. The oven-finished French fries (shoestring-cut) made by the process of this invention have a bulk moisture of from about 32% to about 46%; a total fat content of from about 12% to about 25%; and a French Fry Texture Value of at least about 200. Preferably the fries have a surface water activity (Aw) of less than about 0.55 and an internal moisture content of from about 55% to about 80%.

Abstract: A method for preparing frozen par-fried potato strips comprising about 32% to about 52% moisture which remain fresh tasting after storage at about 0.degree. F. (-17.8.degree. C.). The method comprises peeling, trimming and cutting raw potatoes into strips, blanching, and reducing the moisture content of the potato strips to not less than about 54% followed by, par-frying the potato strips in oil for a time sufficient to reduce the moisture of the potato strips to a final moisture content of from about 32% to about 52%. Thereafter, the par-fried potato strips are frozen. The frozen par-fried potato strips have reduced levels of 2,5-dimethyl pyrazine and relatively high levels of 2,4-decandienal. When cooked, the finished French fries have improved flavor over conventional oven baked fries.

Abstract: Food coating compositions are disclosed which are based on a high percentage of corn starch. The compositions preferably contain lower percentages of tapioca starch. The compositions may also contain potato starch, tapioca dextrin, rice flour, leavening agent, xanthan gum, whey or nonfat milk, colorants and flavorants. The coatings may be advantageously used to coat vegetable products, including potato, to enhance flavor and other characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for quickly oven finishing (baking) oil-enrobed prebake fries in as litle as 0.75 minute at a temperature of from about 325.degree. F. (162.degree. C.) to about 800.degree. F. (426.degree. C.) to provide oven-finished French fries that have virtually the same taste and characteristics as deep fat fried finished French fries. The oven-finished shoestring French fries of this invention are characterized as having: a bulk moisture of from about 32% to about 46%; a total fat content of from about 12% to about 25%; and a French Fry Texture Value of at least about 200. Preferably the fries have a surface water activity (Aw) of less than about 0.55 and an internal moisture content of from about 55% to about 80%.

Abstract: A water dispersible coating composition for fat-fried foods contains a starch, a stabilizing agent, an acid salt and a leavening agent. The improvement is the use of a combination of at least one modified cornstarch and rice flour, in respective weight proportions of about 10:1 to 1:1, as the starch. The composition may also contain a dextrin, a high amylose starch, modified potato starch and a vegetable oil. The composition is dispersed in an aqueous medium having from about 20 to 90 weight percent of the composition for application to a food prior to fat frying.

Abstract: A method for producing dehydrated potato slices, specifically suitable for making French fries and French fries produced therefrom, utilizes the application of microwave energy under selected vacuum conditions and a specific range of microwave energy application to produce dried potato slices having a water activity of no more than 0.85.

Abstract: An extended hold potato product comprising cut potatoes having a starch-based coating, the coating including corn starch, corn flour, and low solubility dextrin. In a preferred embodiment, the starch-based coating further includes rice flour, sodium chloride, and sodium acid pyrophosphate. After finish preparation, the potato product retains a generally crisp outer surface texture for an extended period of time. A process for preparing a potato product having an extended hold time comprises (a) washing, cutting, and blanching raw potatoes, (b) partially drying surfaces of the potatoes, (c) applying an aqueous starch-based slurry to the potatoes, the aqueous slurry including corn flour, corn starch, low solubility dextrin, and water, and then (d) parfrying and freezing the coated potatoes.

Abstract: Baby foods comprising water and celeriac root crown, Hamburg parsley root or a combination thereof and methods for preparation of such baby foods.

Abstract: A potato chip having no added fat and process for preparation thereof, wherein a slice of undehydrated fresh potato having no added fat and no coating of globular protein and having a thickness of about 1 to about 3 millimeters is heated in a microwave oven at high intensity, with periodic heating separated by periodic cooling for a period of time sufficient to produce a product having essentially the same flavor, color and crispness as potato slices fried in deep fat. The resulting potato chip has substantially reduced calories as compared with potato chips fried in deep fat or oil, and has essentially the same low fat content as uncooked potatoes. Optionally, the slice may be coated with a non-globular protein coating prior to microwave heating. Such a coating may include salt, non-globular protein, flavorants, spices, and/or vitamin additives, as desired, but preferably does not contain any fat which would increase the fat and calorie content of the finished potato chip.

Abstract: A fresh vegetable product having long shelf life is made from fresh vegetables which are cleaned and, if desired, peeled and/or subdivided, and contacted with a chemical mixture of the invention. The chemical mixture may include sodium acid pyrophosphate, calcium chloride, citric acid, potassium sorbate and, optionally, L-ascorbic acid. If the fresh vegetables are susceptible to discoloration upon exposure to air, e.g., peeled potatoes, the chemical mixture also includes sodium bisulfite in relatively small amounts. The contact of vegetables with air is minimized and preferably prevented during the process of the invention. The resulting fresh vegetable product has low sulfite content and is suitable for immediate consumption or further processing (such as cooking) without additional preparation.

Abstract: A process for preparing reduced fat shaped snack products having a light, crispy, crunchy texture is disclosed. A sheetable dough comprising:(1) from about 50% to about 70% of a source of starch based flour comprising a mixture of for about 75% to about 90% of a flour having a WAI of from about 7 to about 9 and from about 10% to about 25% of a flour or starch having a WAI of from about 4 to about 6;(2) at least about 3% hydrolyzed starches having a DE of from about 5 to about 30;(3) from about 0% to about 6% of an emulsifier;(4) from about 20% to about 40% added water;(5) from about 1% to about 4% triglyceride, reduced calorie fat or a polyol fatty acid polyester; and(6) from 0 to about 3% solute is formed.The dough is sheeted and the sheet is cut into snack pieces. The snack pieces are fried to provide a snack having 20% to 32% fat.

Abstract: The clear coat composition for french fries is a combination of an acetylated starch, a dextrin, and a rice flour. The acetylated starch has an acetyl content of 1.5% to 2.5% and is made from a starch obtained from a plant having a genotype selected from the group consisting of dull sugary-2 and amylose extender dull. The dextrin has a solubility of 10% to 20% and is made from a starch having an amylose content below 35%. The coating allows for an extended period of time under a heat lamp.

Abstract: A process for preparing reduced fat shaped snack products having a light, crispy, crunchy texture is disclosed. A dough is formed:(1) from about 50% to about 70% of a source of starch based flour;(2) at least about 3% hydrolyzed starch having a DE of from about 5 to about 30;(3) from about 0.5% to about 6% a fatty acid polyglycerol ester emulsifier having a saponification value of between 80 and about 135, and a hydroxyl value between 300 and 575, wherein the fatty acids of said ester comprises palmitic and stearic acid and wherein the polyglycerol ester is at least 40% monoester;(4) from about 20% to about 40% added water, and(5) from about 1% to about 6% polyol fatty acid polyester.This dough is formed into sheets from which snack pieces are cut. The snack pieces are fried to provide a snack having 20% to 38% nondigestible fat and less than 0.5 gm/30 gm serving of digestible fat.

Abstract: A process for preparing reduced fat shaped snack products having a light, crispy, crunchy texture is disclosed. A dough is formed:(1) from about 50% to about 70% of a source of starch based flour;(2) at least about 3% hydrolyzed starch having a DE of from about 5 to about 30;(3) from about 0.5% to about 6% a fatty acid polyglycerol ester emulsifier having a saponification value of between 80 and about 135 and a hydroxyl value between 300 and 575, wherein the fatty acid of the ester comprises palmitic and stearic acid and wherein the polyglycerol ester is at least 40% monoester;(4) from about 20% to about 40% added water; and(5) from about 1% to about 6% fat.This dough is formed into sheets from which snack pieces are cut. The snack pieces are fried to provide a snack having 20% to 38% fat.

Abstract: The anti-viral vaccine of the present invention is produced in transgenic plants and then administered through standard vaccine introduction method or through the consumption of the edible portion of those plants. A DNA sequence encoding for the expression of a surface antigen of a viral pathogen is isolated and ligated to a promoter which can regulate the production of the surface antigen in a transgenic plant. This gene is then transferred to plant cells using a procedure that results in its integration into the plant genome, such as through the use of an Agrobacterium tumefaciens plasmid vector system. Preferably, the foreign gene is expressed in an portion of the plant that is edible by humans or animals. In a preferred procedure, the vaccine is administered through the consumption of the edible plant as food, preferably in the form of a fruit or vegetable juice.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for inhibiting enzymatic browning in raw, peeled potatoes comprising dipping the potatoes in a solution of heated organic acids (45-65.degree. C.), followed by treatment in a weakly basic solution to neutralize the potato surface and treatment with reducing agents, followed by storage in modified atmosphere packaging. The process may comprise two stages, in which sodium erythorbate in solution (approximate pH 7.8) is used both as the neutralizing agent and the reducing agent. Alternatively, the process may comprise three stages, in which a solution of the salt of an organic acid (such as sodium citrate) is used to neutralize the potato surface following the heated acid dip, and a third stage containing the reducing agents sodium erythorbate and erythorbic acid are combined at a final pH of greater than 4.3. Chelating agents or sequestrants may be added to the solutions.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved compositions for coating of potato strip products having an as is solids content comprising at least 40% by weight of a hydrolyzed starch characterized by a DE of from 0.2 to 0.8.

Abstract: A process for producing a frozen fat-free chopped and formed potato product. The process entails peeling potatoes, cutting the peeled potatoes into potato pieces, and blanching the cut pieces. The cut pieces are then partially blended to produce a mixture of potato bits and paste. A hydrocolloid fat substitute, such as a cultured skim milk powder stabilized with additional hydrocolloids, is introduced to the partially blended potato mixture, preferably at a level of 2 to 5% by weight. The potato pieces and hydrocolloid fat substitute are then further blended, and are then extruded into a formed fat substituted potato product. The formed potato product is then dusted with a wheat flour, precaramelized saccharide, annatto, and seasoning powder composition. The dusted formed fat substituted potato product is then prebaked to form a crust on the product, which subsequently may be frozen and packaged for storage, transport and sale.

Abstract: A potato product is obtained by washing peeled potatoes, cutting the potatoes into slices then treating the slices with superheated steam and coating the steam-treated slices with an emulsion prepared from an edible oil and a starchy material, and the coated potato product may be toasted or cooled and frozen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preserving liquid and pasty feedstuffs made from potatoes, food residues, spent grains, brewer's yeast, distiller's spent mash and similar constituents, which comprises adding an aqueous potassium sorbate solution and an aqueous solution of a physiologically harmless acid, to the feedstuff using intensive mixers, and the feedstuffs preserved in this manner.

Abstract: Potato strips, which are cut from raw potatoes and blanched, are contacted with an aqueous solution containing one or more hydrocolloids to deposit a hydrocolloid layer on the surface of the strips. The potato strips preferably are partially dried before being contacted with an aqueous starch-based slurry to provide a starch-based batter coating over the hydrocolloid layer. The potato strips having the dual coating of a hydrocolloid and a batter are then parfried and frozen. When reconstituted by finish frying in hot oil, the resulting french fries have an extended holding quality, remaining crisp and tender for prolonged periods after finish frying.

Abstract: A process for producing a fat imitator by combining a complex carbohydrate, a simple carbohydrate, a proteinaceous material, a gum or hydrocolloid polycarbohydrate and a salt. The complex carbohydrate may be a whole, dehulled cereal grain, legume seed or plant tuber. The simple carbohydrate may be a sugar solid or sugar syrup. The proteinaceous material contains a minimum protein content of 20% weight as determined by 6.25% times nitrogen content. The gum or hydrocolloid polycarbohydrate may be of vegetable, algal, animal or bacterial origin. The salt may be a sodium or potassium chloride, phosphate, acetate, citrate, lactate, gluconate, or an ammonium phosphate, acetate, citrate, lactate, gluconate or combinations of the foregoing salts.

Abstract: Process for dehydrating tubers in order to obtain a storable imperishable food product, and a food product thus obtained. The process comprises the removal of the skin from the raw tubers; selecting the final content of starch which should be contained in the food product; determining the initial percentage of starch in the raw tubers; selecting the final content of starch which should be contained in the food product; determining the initial percentage of starch in the raw tubers; optionally cutting the tubes in slices; immersing the tubers in a solution of sodium hypochlorite or acetic acid or ethyl alcohol; and exposing the tubers to a drying process by applying a hot air flow. The food product obtained by the process has a water content of 10-30% by weight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing essentially fat free chips such as potato chips and the like having an appearance and taste similar to conventional chips without the use of deep fat frying is disclosed herein. The method and apparatus include exposing sliced raw potatoes and the like to a hot air fluid bed impingement oven arrangement that causes very rapid heating of the water contained in the chip and causes the chip to expand. The hot air fluid bed impingement oven arrangement preferably includes multiple dual-zone hot air fluid bed impingement ovens operating under different predetermined conditions. The slices are passed through each oven based on a desired conveyor belt speed and temperature range. The slices are then passed to a combination microwave and hot air dryer which removes entrained moisture without scorching the chips, thereby providing a lightly colored chip without a burned, overcooked taste and with an equalized moisture content.

Abstract: A container supporting French fries to be heated in a toaster. The toaster has an article receiving slot. The container comprises an upright structure having a closed bottom and a front and a back parallel to the front which are held together along adjacent side edges by mechanical means. The upright structure has an openable top for access to heated French fries. The front and back have apertures located above the closed bottom. The apertures provide an open area in the front and the back to pass toaster radiation heat into the container to heat the food article and for steam from heated French fries to exit the container. The upright structure has a portion extending sufficiently above the toaster which is cool-to-the-touch and electrically non-conductive to enable a user to lift the container from the toaster without a finger burn or electrical shock. The closed bottom of the container forms a drip trough.

Abstract: A water dispersible coating composition for fat-fried foods contains a starch, a dispersing agent, an acid salt and a leavening agent. The improvement is the use of a combination of at least one modified corn starch and rice flour, in respective weight proportions of about 10:1 to 1:1, as the starch. The composition may also contain a dextrin, e.g. tapioca dextrin, and a high amylose starch. The composition is dispersed in an aqueous medium having from about 20 to 80 weight percent of the composition for application to a food prior to fat frying.

Abstract: A potato peeling system includes a drum-type batch peeler, an unpeeled potato infeed assembly upstream from the batch peeler and a peeled potato discharge assembly downstream from the batch peeler. The batch peeler includes a rotary plate and a vertically adjustable cylindrical liner with a number of vertically spaced bands of different abrasive material. A drive moves the liner up and down to position a selected abrasive band above the plate for peeling.

Abstract: In the method described, a protein-containing substance is first taken up in an alkaline solvent to give a solution. Insoluble constituents of the substance are separated off, the solution is neutralized and desalinated, and then the proteins contained in the solution are concentrated. The solubilization or disintegration of the protein-containing substance is carried out at room temperature using homogenization equipment. The heat dissipated into the protein-containing substance during homogenization is simultaneously removed. The pH of the alkaline solvent during the decomposition is over 11.5 and/or decomposition is carried out in the presence of a detergent, in particular sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS).

Abstract: A process for making a layered and puffed pastry is disclosed. The process includes the steps of producing a dough by mixing a raw material with water, wherein the raw material does not contain a wheat flour, shaping the dough into a plurality of layers to obtain a layered dough; baking the layered dough in a thermal cycle oven; and drying the baked layered dough with microwaves, radio waves or infrared rays to obtain the layered and puffed pastry.

Abstract: Whole potatoes are optionally peeled and optionally preheated before cutting into strips. The strips are blanched in water before being dipped in an aqueous solution containing sodium chloride, dextrose and chelating agents. The strips are then blanched in steam before being dried in heated air. The partially dried strips are again treated with steam for a short time to blanch the strips, then parfried in oil, cooled for an extended period, and parfried a second time in oil. The strips are then frozen and packaged, ready for reconstitution by frying, oven or microwave rethermalization.

Abstract: A food having an oil absorption and moisture transmission retarding, clear, crunchy coating and process for preparing is provided. The coating includes a predust adhered to the food and has at least about 50% of a starch and from about 0.1% to 5% of an at least partially water-soluble, edible calcium compound. A water-containing batter is gelled and adhered to the predust and has, on a solids basis, at least about 20% dextrin, about 0.1% to 8% of a pectate, and about 0.05% to 5% of a water-soluble thickener.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved compositions for coating of potato strip products having an as is solids content which comprises not less than about 20% by weight ungelatinized crosslinked tapioca starch.

Abstract: Vegetable snacks without fat are produced by placing sliced objects such as potato slices (3) on a net belt (1) in a single layer and by first carrying them through a pre-drying zone (5) and then a treatment zone (6) where the potato slices are puffed. The puffed potato slices (3') are then carried to a post-drying zone (7) and conveyed through same by a belt (2) whereafter the finished potato chips (3") are packed. In all heating zones (5,6,7) there may be used heating elements (4) treating the potato slices with infrared heat radiation, if desired, by two-sided treatment by further heating elements or reflectors (10).

Abstract: Orange carrots have a beta-carotene content of 75-150 ppm. Orange carrots are commonly used in strained baby foods. The high beta-carotene content of orange carrots results in a high vitamin A statement on the product label and causes the product to have an orange color. White carrots and yellow carrots have a beta-carotene content of less than 10 ppm. White carrots and/or yellow carrots can be used in lieu of, or in combination with, orange carrots to control beta-carotene levels and the color of baby foods. White sweet potatoes can be used in lieu of, or in combination with, white carrots, orange carrots and orange sweet potatoes to control beta-carotene levels and the color of baby foods. The term white sweet potatoes refers to tubers of light colored flesh of the species Ipomea batata, of the morning glory family, Convolvulaceae.

Abstract: A process for preparing potato chips, shoestring potatoes and other tuber chips in which no additional fat content is added to the potato and none of the natural foodstuffs are removed. The process comprises the steps of slicing a potato or other tuber to produce a plurality of slices or strips of the desired configuration, heating the slices or strips to a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to remove from about fifty to eighty percent of the moisture therefrom, and microwave heating the slices or strips to produce a product having substantially the same flavor, color, crispness and slightly greasy appearance as deep-fried products. The slices or strips can be subjected to a second microwaving step at a reduced power level to reduce the moisture content of the product for a longer shelf life.

Abstract: A method of processing potatoes or vegetables to dehydrated hash browns or other forms is disclosed where cooked and cooled potato slices are subjected to a second cooking time to improve flavor, texture and composition. The potato slices are further cooled to a chilled temperature which modifies the starch content of the potato so that the potato can be easily processed to smaller sizes, shapes or dimensions. When processed to a smaller size, shape or dimension, the potato material is contacted with a lubricating substance devoid of water which reduces or prevents the potato pieces from sticking together and improves the composition of the dehydrated potato pieces. The process of the present invention improves the flavor, texture and composition of the potatoes, both during the processing steps and at later rehydration. The process of the present invention also merely modifies the starch content of the potatoes without having to remove the starch and/or add the starch back in at a later time.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of fried potatoes by using as a raw material potato pieces having a specific gravity of 1.070-1.085 and cut into a thick square pillar or corrugated form. The process includes the steps of cutting a potato having said specific gravity into pieces, dipping the pieces into hot water at a temperature of 60.degree.-70.degree. C. for 5-10 minutes to blanch the same, primary frying the blanched pieces in an edible oil kept at a temperature of 160.degree.-190.degree.C., immediately freezing the fried pieces at a temperature not higher than -20.degree.C., secondary frying the frozen pieces in an edible oil kept at a temperature of 170.degree.-190.degree.C., and drying the fried pieces to obtain final products which have a moisture content of 0.5-5.0% by weight and an oil content of 30-35% by weight.

Abstract: A method of forming a food product that includes dehydrated food pieces coated with a preselected amount of edible particles. The method includes providing dehydrated food pieces having outer surfaces. Next, a fat is provided that is substantially solid at room temperature and substantially flowable at a temperature of at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The fat is preheated to a temperature which is at least hot enough to cause the fat to flow. Next, food pieces are coated on their outer surfaces with the flowable fat and are further coated with coating particles. The resulting coating is nonflowable even at temperatures which exceed a temperature which caused a majority of the fat without the particles to flow.

Abstract: A process of producing fat free chips cooks the chips and while at elevated temperature and containing sufficient moisture to form the desired pore structure in the chips subjects the chips to sub-atmospheric pressure to expand the moisture into stream and form small pores within the chip structure to provide a cooked fat free product have a similar texture and taste to that of convention deep fried chips.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved compositions for coating of potato strip products having an as is solids content which comprises not less than about 50% by weight ungelatinized crosslinked potato starch having a viscosity of from 200 to 1100 BU when measured at 9% solids concentration for 15 minutes at 95.degree., and from 15 to 25% by weight rice flour.

Abstract: An extended hold potato product comprising cut potatoes having a starch-based coating, the coating including corn starch, corn flour, and low solubility dextrin. In a preferred embodiment, the starch-based coating further includes rice flour, sodium chloride, and sodium acid pyrophosphate. After finish preparation, the potato product retains a generally crisp outer surface texture for an extended period of time. A process for preparing a potato product having an extended hold time comprises (a) washing, cutting, and blanching raw potatoes, (b) partially drying surfaces of the potatoes, (c) applying an aqueous starch-based slurry to the potatoes, the aqueous slurry including corn flour, corn starch, low solubility dextrin, and water, and then (d) parfrying and freezing the coated potatoes.

Abstract: A food composition, product and method of making thereof uses tissue, such as vegetable, meat, fish or poultry. The tissue is coated with at least one coating, dried and fried. Initially the coating is a gel including water, hydrocolloid gel forming compounds and a cross-linking agent such as polyvalent cations. The coating at least partially encloses the outer surface of the tissue. The coating is dried prior to frying. The coating (initial, dried and fried) includes at least ten percent equivalent weight of cross-linking agent based on the neutralization equivalent weight of the hydrocolloid. The dried coating is adapted to substantially impede the penetration of oil therethrough. The coated fried products have a low concentration of cooking oil.

Abstract: A method of forming a food product that includes dehydrated food pieces coated with a preselected amount of edible particles. The method includes providing dehydrated food pieces having outer surfaces. Next, a fat is provided that is substantially solid at room temperature and substantially flowable at a temperature of at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The fat is preheated to a temperature which is at least hot enough to cause the fat to flow. Next, food pieces are coated on their outer surfaces with the flowable fat and are further coated with coating particles. The resulting coating is nonflowable even at temperatures which exceed a temperature which caused a majority of the fat without the particles to flow.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for preparing a snack food product by baking and without the use of cooking oil, begins with preparation of potatoes, carrots, bananas, etc, into slices which are surface de-watered before exposure to a high intensity heat source including infra red at about 1400 F. to blanch the product and halt enzyme action before exposure to hot, dry air impingement until reduced in moisture to about 10 to 35%, while maintained in a mono layer. Then the slices are aggregated into a pack and dried in hot dry air until the moisture content has been reduced to about 0.5 to 2%.The apparatus includes an insulated housing with a product conveyor extending therethrough. A combination of overhead infra-red burners and underneath open flame burners are positioned to create a high energy heat zone along one length of the belt. Air impingement scatter slots are positioned above and below a subsequent length of the belt and a superimposed hold down belt restrains the products from scattering.

Abstract: A dual-stage process for preparing potato chips having a centralized first stage continuous process for preparing potato slices for indefinite storage and a second stage continuous process for preparing potato chips for consumer use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sprout inhibitor for potatoes which, as the main component, contains rape oil methylester and/or specific long-chain alcohols, eventually in mixture with the medium- and/or long-chain alcohols known for said purpose, and/or ethereal oil and/or the known chemical sprout-inhibitor agents, or to the use of rape oil methylester alone or the use of C.sub.18 to >C.sub.36 -alcohols such as Espum EGA 162 (now Dehysan) alone, or in a mixture with rape oil methylester and/or other known sprout-inhibiting agents.