These granules are produced from small portions of whole fresh potatoes that can t be used for other products. The granules soak up water or liquid faster than flakes do. Flakes are produced from the waste product of a processing facility, like a chip plant. 5 kg of raw potatoes make about 1 kg of dry granules. The granules are used in instant mashed potatoes, soup mixes, pet foods, baby foods, snack foods, frozen entrees, and for institutional food services.
Dehydrated potatoes give farmers a new source of revenue for otherwise unmarketable potatoes.
The P.E.I. plant can process 288 metric tons of raw potato pieces in 24 hours or approximately 86,000 pounds per year. This produced approximately 15,000 metric tons of finished potato granules. Quality Control A granule plant needs to check on quality of the product frequently. Sensory tests are done hourly to ensure that the colour, flavour and odour of the finished product meets strict specification guidelines. Quantitative analysis of moisture, sugar, fat content, and free starch are done regularly.