Microwavable french fries
A microwavable crinkle-cut French fry potato includes deep groves and coatings of oil and encapsulated salt. Crinkle-cut potato pieces are prepared with a solids content of 40-50% by weight, frozen, sprayed with oil and coated with encapsulated salt. A carton for the potato pieces is formed from a single-piece blank provided with a pair of microwave susceptor surfaces and reinforced corners. A removable lid contacts the potato pieces during microwave reconstitution.
1 . A potato piece comprising:
an elongated potato piece having a generally square cross section, a generally longitudinal axis, and longitudinally extending sides;
each longitudinally extending side having a plurality of ridges separated by grooves, the ridges and grooves oriented generally transverse to the longitudinal axis, and cooperating to define a core portion;
the ridges being rounded in cross section;
the grooves being rounded in cross section;
where the potato piece includes an oil coating comprising 1% by weight; and
where the potato piece includes a coating of encapsulated salt in amount in the range of 0.8 to 1.5% by weight.
2 . The potato piece of claim 1 wherein the oil is solid at temperatures below 32° F. and is liquid at temperatures above 50° F.
3 . The potato piece of claim 2 wherein the oil is soybean oil.
4 . The potato piece of claim 1 having a solid content in the range of 40 to 50% by weight.