The food plant "Chernyansky" (Belgorod region) has been producing its products for 11 years. At present, imported potatoes are used for production, but this does not significantly affect the pace and volume of work.
The production of French fries is mechanized and computerized. However, the team numbers over 70 engineering and technical staff and highly professional workers. Chief Technologist Natalia Latysheva gave a tour of the plant.
The production process consists of several stages. First, the tubers are washed, after which they are peeled. Then, almost the only manual operation in the technological process is performed - additional or control cleaning of tubers. It is carried out by line inspectors: if a tuber has green, damaged areas or other defects, it is rejected. From the inspection table, the potatoes enter the waterjet cutting system. Sliced potatoes are sorted according to size and quality, which is performed by a special device using photocells.
After that, the potatoes are blanched in hot water. In a mesh, continuously rotating drum, it is freed from sugars and starch. In a ventilated dryer at a temperature of 60–100 ° C, all excess moisture evaporates from the potato straws and the product is sent to the deep fryer. Automation allows you to control and maintain the set oil temperature. The potatoes are fried for two to five minutes at temperatures between 160 ° C and 190 ° C, depending on the variety and thickness of the cut. The output is a golden semi-finished product with a crispy toasted crust.
“Our food processing plant produces up to 15 tons of delicious French fries, which are in great demand not so much for gourmets as for ordinary people, per day. All products are literally immediately taken to retail chains and stores, ”said the head of the enterprise Gennady Klyuchevsky.
