Dehydrated potato products:

Preservation of foods by drying is perhaps the oldest method known to man. Drying results in the lowering of moisture content, leading to lesser chances of microbial growth. As a result, the product has a longer shelf life. The reduction in moisture content is accompanied by a reduced bulk which facilitates storage, transportation and packaging.  Potato slices can be dehydrated in the sun, stored and, fried and consumed when required. Dehydrated potato chips is the most common processed potato product in the rural and semi-urban areas in the country. Dehydration of potatoes offers several advantages: It does not require much investment and is labour intensive, therefore, can be taken up at the level of individual families. Dehydrated chips have longer shelf life at room temperature and can be stored easily. Solar dehydration of potatoes is very popular in several states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, U.P. and M.P. and, remains a viable alternative to expensive and sophisticated potato processing technology. Dehydrated potato chips are quite popular because they are much cheaper than potato chips produced by the organized sector. Companies such as Potato King, Merino Industries Ltd. and Satnam Agri are leading in manufacturing of dehydrated potato products such as potato flakes and flour. More than 1% of the potato production is consumed by potato flakes and flour industry in India. In 2007-2008, the total quantity of dehydrated products manufactured in India was 31,000 tonnes.

                                Dehydrated chips