EFFECT OF PRE DRYING AND USING HYDROCOLLOID SYSTEM ON FRYING CHARACTERISTICS OF FRIED POTATO

This study investigated the interaction effect of pre drying treatments and using hydrocolloids mixture as an edible coat, as a packaging material and for better frying results for fried potato. Pre drying treatments used were heating samples at 69°C for 3 and 25 min. Hydrocolloid system used was MA-1 type, Hydrocolloid GENU^® texturizer contains; methylcellulose, carrageenan and potassium chloride. Treatments were evaluated by measuring oil content, moisture content, cutting force, color and mold growth. The result showed a great effect for the hydrocolloid system in combination of pre drying treatment (69°C for 25 min) in both prolonging the fried product shelf-life through retarding and decreasing mold formation and in enhancing the frying characteristics; oil-uptake (reduced by 39.33%), moisture loss (reduced by 25.83%) and texture. The treatments did not significantly affect the color of fried potato samples.