Changes of polysaccharide content and texture of potato during French fries production

The purpose of the present study was to determine the changes in non-starch polysaccharide and lignin contents of potato during French fries production and also the relationship between the texture of the finished product and half-products, as a result of processing at each stage under investigation. The samples for laboratory studies were taken from potato tubers, strips and French fries collected from nine locations of a technological line. The greatest changes in non-starch polysaccharide content and texture of potatoes resulted from blanching and frying. The texture of French fries was mainly affected by pectin and cellulose. The texture of French fries can be predicted from the measurements of the texture of potato strips after blanching.