PROCESS FOR PREPARING STORAGE STABLE, LOW MOISTURE, PARFRIED POTATO STRIPS

Parfried potato strips and a related preparation process are provided wherein the parfried strips have a relatively low moisture content suitable for oven finish or rapid finish fry preparation, and further wherein the parfried strips exhibit improved storage stability without developing undesirable off-flavor characteristics. The parfried potato strips are initially blanched and then surface treated to apply reducing sugar in a controlled amount prior to parfrying in hot oil and freezing. In one form, the surface treatment is a dextrose-containing dip or spray, whereas in another form the surface treatment is a sugar-containing starch-based batter coating. In either case, the quantity of sugar on the exterior surfaces of the strips is regulated in relation to the parfry oil temperature to achieve a target strip color. In a preferred preparation process, the potato strips are subjected to first and second parfry steps in hot oil with an intermediate freeze step prior to final freezing, wherein the quantity of sugar on the exterior surfaces of the strips is regulated in relation to the temperature of the second parfry step to achieve the target strip color.