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Potato flakes

Potato flakes are made from steamed and dried table potatoes. They are suitable for cooking and baking, and as healthy nutrition for dogs.

Potato flakes from the wholesaler

Potatoes are considered a traditional staple in Germany and are processed into a range of different dishes and products. One reason for the success of these tubers may be that the central European climate is excellent for growing potatoes. With the cultivated varieties, a distinction is made between table and industrial or ware potatoes. While the former are intended for consumption, industrial potatoes are used as a raw material for the production of starch, thickeners, alcohol, adhesives as well as pharmaceutical products. Even in the case of table potatoes, only some end up in supermarkets and local stores; the rest are processed in industry. A typical product is potato flakes, which are highly versatile both for use at home and in the food industry.

Besides sugar specialities, nuts and dried fruits, the product range of August Töpfer & Co. also includes potato products such as potato flour and potato flakes. For the production of our dried potato products, we use exclusively food-safe and non-GMO potato varieties from regional sources are used. We set high standards on the quality of our products and services as a comprehensive provider in the food/non-food sector. Buy potato flakes from the reliable wholesaler and benefit from our many years of experience. If you wish, we also offer potato flakes in organic quality or with the Bioland label.

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Origin of potatoes

The botanical name for potatoes is Solanum tuberosum and they belong to the nightshade family. They are thus related to tomatoes, peppers and aubergines, but not to sweet potatoes. Strictly speaking, potatoes are not actually a vegetable but a root crop. The tuber that grows underground stores nutrients for the plant and is consumed as food. Each potato plant yields around ten to 25 tubers, whose appearance and size can vary substantially. The origin of the potato has not yet been conclusively determined. Many wild varieties grow in the regions around Peru and the Andes.

Potatoes arrived in Europe in 1621 when they were imported from South America by seafarers. But it was not clear at first exactly how to use potatoes. For this reason, the potato was originally only grown as an ornamental plant in Europe, until it was discovered in the 18th century that the tuber could be made edible by cooking. Around 4,000 varieties of potato are known globally; only around 450 of which are permitted in Europe, however. Not all varieties are oval and yellowish. Potatoes exist in many different colours, shapes and sizes. There are also big differences in terms of consistency and harvest time. Whether they are red or violet, early, medium or late, or mealy or waxy – there is a potato variety suitable for almost any application.

Production of potato flakes

More than ten million tonnes of potatoes were harvested in Germany in 2019. Conventional cultivation accounts for the majority of potatoes. Around two percent of German potatoes are grown organically. Potatoes are not sown but planted in the ground by machine. The crop is planted as soon as the ground has reached the right degree of dryness in spring and average temperatures are at least 8 °C.

In general, the earlier the potatoes are planted, the better. The aim is to achieve the longest growing period possible. Since potatoes are sensitive to frost, a certain amount of skill is required in choosing the right time to plant them. Around 40,000 potato plants fit on a hectare of land. Thicker and bigger potatoes are preferred for industrial use, which is why they are planted slightly less densely.

Potato fields are usually farmed almost completely using machines. Once the tubers are ripe, they are ready to be harvested. This is between May and October depending on the variety. The potatoes for our products are typically harvested between August and October.

A distinction is made between early, medium-early, medium-late and late varieties. Early potatoes can be consumed in the skin, but they have a shorter shelf life than later varieties. Depending on application, the potatoes are processed after harvest. The potato flakes from August Töpfer & Co. are produced all year round, although usually between the time of harvest and around March in the following year.

To produce potato flakes, the potatoes are first cleaned, then skinned by steaming, before being cooked in multiple steps at a maximum of 85 °C. Once cooking is completed, the potatoes are crushed into pulp. The resulting mass is subsequently dried as a wafer-thin layer on large rollers.

Before drying, emulsifiers and other additives are added to the potato flakes for processing or to improve shelf life and consistency. We also offer potato flakes that contain no additives. Depending on the application, spices are also often added to potato flakes, such as turmeric. Here too we are happy to address customer wishes.

After the drying process is complete, the potato flakes are ground to the desired size and sieved. Finally, the finished potato flakes are packed and distributed. Around seven kilograms of fresh potatoes are required to produce a kilogram of potato flakes.

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Contents of potato flakes

Like fresh potatoes, potato flakes contain hardly any fat or protein, but a large amount of starch. Raw potatoes are unsuitable for the human digestive system, since the starch is only converted during cooking. Any green spots and new sprouts on potatoes should always be removed because they can contain the neurotoxin solanine.

Cooked potatoes and potato flakes are easily digestible and provide a feeling of satiety due to the high amount of carbohydrates. For this reason, they are also considered a good source of energy. The contents of potato flakes include vitamins C, B1 and B2 as well as potassium, magnesium, niacin and pantothenic acid. Since potatoes are naturally gluten-free, potato flakes are also suitable for people with gluten intolerance as well as celiac disease.

Use of potato flakes

Potato flakes are not the same thing as potato starch. Potato starch is obtained by washing and drying raw potatoes, while potato flakes are made from cooked and then dried potatoes. Potato flakes are suitable for producing potato products, as a baking ingredient and binding agent, and as an additive for fresh pet food (BARF). We also offer potato flakes with spices like turmeric according to your individual needs. Alternatively, you can order potato flakes free from any additives, as well as with organic certification and even the Bioland label.

Potato flakes ...

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... in the food industry

Potato flakes are able to bind large quantities of liquid and are ideal as a thickening agent and baking ingredient. Bakeries use potato flakes to improve dough yield and thereby achieve larger dough volumes with less raw material. Moreover, potato flakes optimise the freshness of baked goods with yeast. As an ingredient in potato bread and rolls, potato flakes provide products with a subtle flavour, a loose texture and a longer shelf life.

In the food industry, potato flakes are used to make mashed potato powder, prepared by the user with the addition of water or milk. Potato flakes also form the basis of various potato dishes, such as dumplings, croquettes, gnocchi, crisps and other finger food. As an ingredient in sauces and soups, potato flakes bind liquid and help achieve a creamier consistency.

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... as dog food

Potato flakes are an important part of a dog’s nutritious and easily digestible diet. They are suitable as a supplement to BARF food (freshly prepared dog food) and as a high-quality raw material for producing food that meets the needs of dogs. After soaking and swelling in lukewarm water, potato flakes are easier for dogs to digest.

Our potato flakes are certified:

Potato products from an experienced wholesaler

Order potato flakes for your individual needs from August Töpfer & Co. As a renowned, Hamburg-based distributor with many years of experience, we import our products directly from longstanding business partners in cultivation regions. Our business relationships are based on close communication and trusting cooperation with the producers. Regular checks and packaging the products on site at our location in Hamburg ensure that you always receive your delivery on time and in top quality.

In addition to our brand business, we also offer core products in the baking goods and retail snack products segments under our own producer brand “ATCO”. With more than 50 fully automated packing lines, we can respond flexibly to customer needs. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions regarding our potato flakes and other products. If necessary, we will put together the right products for you based on your documents and specifications. Contact us if you are interested in an individual offer!

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