Potato processing industry

The potato processing industry encompasses various activities, including cleaning, peeling, cutting, blanching, frying, freezing, and packaging.

[1] The origins of potato processing can be traced back to ancient times before Columbus arrived in the Americas.

During this prehistoric period, Native Americans used drying techniques to preserve potatoes, reduce their size, and create flour and alcoholic beverages.

Initially, these methods were focused on providing sustenance for sailors and soldiers, but later expanded to meet the needs of aviation, convenience, and indulgence.

Last year[clarification needed], Europe produced 3.8 billion euros worth of deep-frozen french fries.

Potatoes being transported on a sorting line
Newsreel of 1 March 1969 in which Dutch subjects of a certain week are presented. The chips factory of Herman Megens in the industrial zone in Lomm . The potatoes are washed, peeled, sprayed clean, cut into sticks in cutting machines, pre-fried in ovens, dried, cooled and put into boxes. Also shots of a patatkraam (chips stand) in Venlo , where Megens started.
Industrial cooking of mashed potatoes in a steam-jacketed combi kettle
French fries sorting on a modern frozen potato manufacturing line