One cell: The thin slice of profit

Calculations based on average parenchyma cell diameters of 160 to 240 μ in potatoes show that for chips expected losses range from 8 to 12% at 2 mm slice thickness, and from 16 to 24% at 1 mm thickness. Similar calculations for different size and thickness of dice used in dehydrated and frozen potato products show losses ranging from 4 to over 13% per piece. These calculated losses are due entirely to cut cells, the contents of which are washed out before processing. It is assumed that clean, sharp cuts are made without tearing of additional cells. These calculations do not take into account losses from peeling, trimming, leaching, irregular pieces, and other sources. Total losses from all potato processing may exceed 750 million pounds of potato solids per year. Relationships of these losses to the economy of potato processing and particularly to potato breeding, growing, and problems of waste reclamation and utilization are discussed.