Dehydrated potatoes are actually the same as instant potatoes, and this latter term is probably more familiar to you. If you are like thousands of other Americans, you purchase dehydrated potatoes on a regular basis and frequently use them in your cooking.
Think about how often you have gone to the local greengrocer to buy dehydrated potatoes. Once a week? Twice a month? In those times that you have picked up a pack that asserts “Instant Potatoes,” have you checked the package for the list of ingredients contained in the pack? Next time you go out to purchase your favourite brand of dehydrated potatoes, you should try having a look at the list of ingredients. You might be in for a shock.
Actually, we have done that to one of the less expensive types of dehydrated products – check out its ingredients, that is. We went to our local Aldi’s and grabbed a box of “Great Worth Instant Potatoes.” You would expect the package to contain potatoes, and nothing else right? After all, it’s just instant potatoes, so what else should be in there?
Here is a catalogue of the ingredients that are essentially included in the pack of dehydrated potatoes:
– potato ( you would truly be shocked if this was not included)
– monocerides ( these are fats )
– diglycerides ( another sort of fats)
– sodium acid pyrophosphate ( this is really a chemical used in electroplating)
– sodium metabisulfate ( this chemical is employed with antioxidants )
– citric acid ( a weak acid used for flavoring)
– BHT or butylated hydroxytoluene (a fat and oil antioxidant that has been quite controversial in the food-processing industry )
Out of all these listed ingredients, the only one that really has business being in a pack of dehydrated potatoes is the potato itself. So what are all the other stuff doing in there? Just seeing the quantity of chemicals concerned in making dehydrated potatoes will make you wish to think carefully about purchasing them again.
You do have the choice of making your own dehydrated potatoes. You may be sure that there are no harmful chemicals added, and you can even have a good time making them. The process is fairly simple, and you can turn it into a fun activity for the whole family, especially if you have youngsters around. For more info see http://www.dehydratedfoodguide.com/Articles/Dehydrated_Mushroom.php on Dehydrated Mushroom.
When making dehydrated potatoes at home, just follow these simple steps:
1. Cut your potatoes into thin slices.
2. Place them in a warm oven.
3. Keep turning them till they become crispy and dry.
4. Mash them into powder and put them in airtight containers.
You can ask your children to help in this last part. Just ensure that everything is orderly so you will not have to clean up too much afterwards.
To get more recipes and cooking ideas, visit cooking101.org and while you are at it, you might also want to have a look at roasted potatoes.
Tags: dehydrated potatoes, potatoes