Effect of Calcium Fertilization on Processing Properties and Storability of Frozen French Fries

The effect of calcium fertilization on the processing properties and storability of frozen French fries was investigated using three different varieties of processing-type potatoes, namely Toyoshiro (TS), Kitahime (KH) and Snowden. We attempted to understand the possible mechanisms contributing to quality differences in the French fries, by comparing tuber, starch and cell wall material properties. Calcium fertilization significantly increased the calcium contents of cell wall materials of all varieties, while a significant increase in chelating-agent soluble pectin content was observed in TS. The oil content of French fries was not significantly affected by calcium fertilization. On the other hand, two-way ANOVA indicated a significant effect of calcium fertilization on the hardness of the center and bud-end of French fries after 24 weeks of frozen storage. Results of this study suggest that calcium fertilization may be an effective method to improve the processing properties and storability of French fries.