We use to use about 200 LBS a day and they either came from Idaho or Washington State…Depended on the time of the year. The problem is that over the summer there are none..What you’re getting are potatoes that have been stored from the high yielding fall and winter months in dark cool storage areas. Prices during the summer months are much higher, too.

We’d use a mechanical peeler, then wash them in large sinks, then we used a Redco mechanical fry cutting machine. Then, we’d drain them in a lettuce spinner ("Greens Machine") and blanch them in 365 degree peanut oil for 1-2 minutes, drain them, put them in big dish pans, and refrigerate them. They’d stay for several days..No problem. Fried them us as needed.

This is a very expensive and time consuming process..especially if you use peanut oil. We had special gas Keating high recovery fryers with a built-in filter system and we used a powder additive that helped extend the life of the oil. It had lots of Vitamin C in it..Don’t ask me why….

There are a few frozen high quality potatoes on the market. The top brands will provide you with samples. think about it..Fry them in peanut oil and you get a real good product…I also suggest you contact the potato grower’s associations in Idaho and Washington. They have a tremendous amount of literature on potatoes, storing potatoes, etc. This is a living and breathing item AFTER it is removed from the ground. You need to avoid the eyes growing or the potato turning green..Both very bad. Both signs of improper storage.

You’ll need to contract with your supplier for the summer months. He’ll have to bring in extra bags/boxes during the winter and store them for you or you might run out for the summer months and the customers will notice!! They store them in special coolers.

GOOD LUCK