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What Is The Difference Between Potatoes Best Suited For French Fries Vs. Potato Chips?

Q:

What is the difference between a potato that is best suited for French fries and a potato that is best for making potato chips? Is it the kind of potato? The way they are grown?

A:

The biggest difference in appearance is that for French fries, most foodservice operators and consumers prefer a long fry strip. Russets typically are a long oval shape, perfectly suited for being considered for French fries and potato chips. Of course, they have to have high solids or starch just like the rounder chip varieties. The round shape means a little more consistency in the overall diameter of the cut circles for chips. In both instances, the varieties chosen for fries or chips tend to not accumulate excess sugars while in storage, so they can fry up nice and light in color.