MICROWAVE FINISH DRYING OF POTATO CHIPS

The effect of microwave finish drying of potato chips on their texture, color and oil content was studied. The intermediate moisture content (IMC) of the chips before microwave application and the reducing sugar content of the raw potatoes were the primary variables. The slices were individually submerged in oil at 320° F to various IMC and finish dried with 2500 watts microwave power for 1–3 min. Chip color was rated against PC11 Color Standards. Texture was evaluated subjectively by a panel and objectively by the L.E.E. Kramer Shear Press. Oil determination was made by Soxhlet extraction. The results showed that potato chips removed from the oil at IMC above 13% were unacceptably tough after microwave drying. Potatoes containing more than 0.9% reducing sugar had to be removed from the oil at IMC above 13% in order to obtain acceptable color of the microwave-finished product. Therefore, microwave finishing raises the limiting reducing sugar content from about 0.4 to about 0.9%. Oil content of microwave-finished chips was 90% that of conventional controls