Potato chips are one of the most popular snacks worldwide, known for their crispy texture and unique flavor. While their production may seem simple, they actually require a series of meticulous and efficient processing steps to ensure the product's taste and quality. So, how potato chips are made step by step?
1. Raw Material Selection and Cleaning
We generally select varieties with a moderate starch content, regular shape, and no insects or rot. Once in the factory, potatoes pass through a washing machine, using water jets, brushes, and air bubbles to remove surface dirt, sand, and impurities, ensuring cleanliness and hygiene.
2. Peeling
After washing, the potatoes are fed into a peeling machine. Common methods include steam peeling and mechanical peeling. Steam peeling is highly efficient and minimizes material loss. After peeling, the potatoes are rinsed thoroughly to ensure no residual skin residue remains.
3. Slicing
Potatoes are sliced into uniformly thin slices using a slicer. Slices typically range from 1.2-2.0 mm thick, and this thickness directly affects the texture and crispness of the chips.
4. Blanching and Rinse:
Cut potato slices need to be blanched. This process removes some of the starch, preventing it from darkening during frying and preserving its color and texture. They are then rinsed in cold water to further remove starch and surface impurities.
5. Frying:
Frying is the most critical step in potato chip production. The potato chips enter the deep fryer and are rapidly fried in cooking oil at 160°C to 180°C, typically taking only a few seconds to a minute or two. After frying, the chips quickly become golden and crispy. To reduce the fat content, they enter the de-oiling unit.
6. Seasoning:
After cooling, the chips enter the seasoning machine. Depending on market demand, various seasonings, such as salt, pepper, and seaweed powder, can be sprayed on them. A rotating drum or spraying device evenly coats the chips, creating a variety of flavors.
7. Packaging
The seasoned potato chips are fed into a fully automated packaging machine. The bags are sealed under nitrogen or vacuum conditions to prevent air and moisture from entering, extending their shelf life and preserving their crispness. The packaging also includes information such as the production date, ingredients, and nutritional information.
These are the main steps in potato chip production. If you have any questions of potato chips production machine, please leave us a message.