Friable, baked potato pieces and process

Abstract

Potatoes are processed to develop baked and fried flavors and aromas. The are baked to create a number of characteristic baked flavors and textures. When fried, a whole other group of flavors and textures is achieved. To avoid damage to the discrete potato pieces that are prepared in processing and are desired in the final product, the process entails baking potatoes; pressing the potatoes to a predetermined thickness; freezing the potatoes; breaking the potatoes into discrete pieces; drying the discrete pieces to form a skin thereon and preferably lightly brown the surfaces; and freezing and packaging the pieces. Oven heating will be sufficient to provide a browning effect to a light golden to golden brown color and form a skin on the exterior surface of exposed potato pulp, both important to the preparation of the best product.