Potato powder
The production of potato powder uses cooked potatoes. The fine powder is a versatile raw material for baking and for use in the food industry.
Potato flour in wholesale quality
Many tonnes of potatoes are harvested every year, but only a fraction of them end up in the vegetable aisle at your local supermarket. The remaining potatoes are processed by industry into potato products, including potato flakes, potato starch and potato powder (or potato flour). Potato flour is a fine powder that is used as a basis or additive in a wide range of food. Potato flour and potato starch are two different products. To make potato starch, starch is extracted from raw potatoes by washing. In the case of potato powder, however, steamed potatoes are used which are then dried whole and pulverised.
Besides sugar specialities, nuts and dried fruits, the product range offered by August Töpfer & Co. also encompasses 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 products from a reliable wholesaler and benefit from our many years of experience. If necessary, we also offer organic potato powder with the Naturland or Bioland label.
Regional potatoes as the basis of our potato powder
Potatoes belong to the nightshade family and are therefore related to tomatoes, aubergines and peppers. Potatoes are considered one of the classic staples in Germany and many other countries, and they are processed into a range of different dishes and products. The potato plant stores its nutrients in the tubers that grow underground. Up to 25 tubers can be produced by each plant, although their appearance and size can often vary considerably. Potatoes familiar in Germany only represent a tiny fraction of the several thousand varieties that exist worldwide. The origin of the potato is still not conclusively known, but wild varieties are found particularly around Peru and the Andes. The potato has been known in Europe since 1621. With the cultivated varieties, a distinction is made between table and industrial or ware potatoes. While table potatoes are intended for consumption and the production of potato products, industrial potatoes are used as a raw material for the production of starch, thickeners, alcohol, adhesives as well as pharmaceutical products.
Production of potato powder
Potatoes are planted in the ground in the spring. Most potato fields are farmed almost entirely by machine today. Around 40,000 potato plants fit on a hectare of land; this figure is somewhat lower for industrial potatoes.
The potatoes are harvested once they are ripe. Depending on the variety, the ideal time to harvest is between May and October. The potatoes for our products are harvested between August and October.
The potatoes are processed after harvest according to their intended application. The production of potato products for August Töpfer & Co. takes place all year round, although mainly directly after harvest until March of the following year.
Before they become potato flour, the potatoes are washed, skinned and cooked in several phases at a maximum of 85 °C. The cooked potatoes are then crushed into pulp. The resulting mass is applied as a wafer-thin layer onto large rollers, where it is completely dried. Manufacturers often mix additives into the potato powder, such as emulsifiers, which help make processing easier or improve the shelf life and consistency. We also offer potato flour without additives.
After the drying process, the potatoes are ground to the desired size and sieved if necessary. Depending on the degree of fineness, these products are either referred to as potato flakes or potato flour.
Contents of potato flour
Like fresh potatoes, potato powder only contains an extremely low amount of fat and protein. Potato powder primarily consists of carbohydrates in the form of starch. Raw potatoes are unsuitable for the human digestive system, since the starch is only converted during cooking. If new sprouts or green spots are found on potatoes, they should always be cut off as they can contain a neurotoxin. Cooked potatoes, which we use to produce our potato powder, are considered easily digestible and help provide a feeling of satiety. They are also a good source of energy. The contents of potato flour include vitamins C, B1 and B2 as well as magnesium, potassium, niacin and pantothenic acid. Since potatoes are naturally gluten-free, potato flour is also suitable for people with gluten intolerance as well as celiac disease.
Use of potato flour
Potato powder is highly effective at binding liquid. As an ingredient in food, it provides a subtle potato flavour and a loose consistency. If you wish, you can order potato powder from August Töpfer & Co. that is seasoned with spices. However, our range also includes potato powder without additives. In order to produce organic products, you can also buy our potato flour with the Bioland or Naturland label.
Potato powder in the food industry
Thanks to its ability to bind large quantities of liquid, potato flour is an excellent thickener and binding agent in the food industry. As an ingredient in sauces and soups, potato powder helps bind liquid and achieves a creamier consistency. In the food industry, potato flour is also used for mashed potato powder. The user then prepares the dried product by adding water or milk. Various potato dishes, including gnocchi, dumplings, croquettes, crisps or other snack foods are also made from potato flour or potato flakes.
Potato powder in baked goods
Bakeries use potato flour in baking to optimise dough yield. By adding potato flour, bakers can achieve a larger dough volume with a high amount of liquid and a lower quantity of dry ingredients. What’s more, potato powder increases the shelf life of the end product and is therefore often used in raised pastries. As a partial flour substitute, potato powder provides a subtle flavour and helps achieve a loose dough and long-lasting freshness.
Potato powder as dog food
Potato flour is a valuable part of a dog’s nutritious and balanced diet. It is suitable as a supplement to BARF food (freshly prepared dog food). When using the raw product at home, it is a good idea to soak the potato flour in lukewarm water before use. This makes the potato flour easier for dogs to digest. In industrially produced dog food, potato powder is an inexpensive raw material that improves volume and is also suitable for dog food that fulfils the nutritional needs of dogs.
Our potato powder is certified:
Potato products from an experienced wholesaler
Order potato flour for your needs from August Töpfer & Co. and benefit from low prices and a strong partner. As a renowned, Hamburg-based distributor with many years of experience, we maintain business relationships based on close communication and trusting cooperation with producers and customers. Regular checks and on site packing of products at our location in Hamburg ensure that you always receive your delivery on time and in top quality.
Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions about our potato products. If necessary, we will be happy to put together the right products for you based on your documents and specifications. Contact us by telephone or email if you are interested in an individual offer!
