Production process
We extract the starch from the potato tubers. Straight after harvesting from the field, the vegetables are cleaned, thoroughly washed and crushed into a pulp, which is then separated from the fibrous parts and juices of the potato. The starchy milk obtained is cleaned and concentrated in a refining process, until a thick slime is obtained. The dehydration process separates the water from the starch, which is then dried, sieved and packaged.
Properties of potato starch
The resulting flour (meal) takes the form of a homogeneous fine powder with no discernible smell or taste. Potato starch does not dissolve in cold water, but when combined with hot water it forms a glue, which is ideal for thickening liquid substances.
Starch has fluffing and gelling properties, widely used in many industries:
- food industry – for the production of concentrates, thickeners and additives for cakes and breads, as well as meat products (delicatessen)
- the textile industry – during the starching of fabrics and other processes associated with improving the quality and elasticity of the material
- in the pharmaceutical industry – for the production of talc, soothing creams or antiphlogistic agents
- in the cosmetics industry – for the manufacture of mattifying and refreshing products
- in the chemical industry – for adhesives and paints,
- in the mining industry – for drilling preparations
- in the paper industry – for the production of pulp and adhesives
Use of starch in the food industry
The main customers for our potato starch are food manufacturers, who appreciate the high quality of the end product they receive from us. Potato flour is one of the most important nutritional additives. It is essential for the preparation of dishes with the right consistency, such as sauces or soups. Thanks to its properties, it absorbs moisture and thus thickens liquid foods. At the same time, it gives dishes a completely different texture. Without potato flour, it is impossible to imagine a velvety sauce or light soup.
The potato flour we buy from us also plays an important role in the confectionery and baking industry. The starch is a raising ingredient. With just a little flour, you can obtain a fluffy, light dough, ready for making cookies, bread, rolls and other baked goods. In addition, it adds a distinctive aroma to products. However, potato flour may not be sufficient, especially if the food product is to stand out for its fluffiness and flavour. Cooks therefore recommend using other flours in addition to this potato flour and mixing them together. This will result in a tastier dish.
Cooks preparing traditional breaded meat dishes also know about the excellent properties of potato flour. The starch makes dishes crispy and fluffy. If potato flour is used instead of wheat flour, the dish will be tastier and the coating will be crispier and more aromatic. This is why every cook is keen to reach for a little starch.
Gluten-free product
The potato flour we produce is a gluten-free product. Hence, it is often sourced by food companies looking for an alternative to wheat starches. Its presence in a gluten-free diet plays a very important role, as it allows maintaining a well-balanced diet, ideal for those allergic to plant proteins found in cereals. It is known for its health benefits for another reason: during production, it is obtained from whole potatoes, so it retains all the valuable nutrients. It therefore remains an entirely natural product.
How to store potato flour
When storing the product, attention should be paid to the appropriate air humidity, which should be 60-70 per cent. On the other hand, the temperature in the room should not be lower than 20 degrees Celsius.
The flour is sold in 25 kg bags with a reinforced structure. Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that it is very sensitive to moisture, hence it should be stored in a dry and dark, but ventilated place. The total shelf life of the product is 5 years but it is best used within 12 months.
Starch applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry
The pure, white and light powder finds its use in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It is added to talcum powder for foot and underarm care. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use the starch in the manufacture of supplements designed to improve the functioning of the digestive tract. It can be used as an ingredient in baby food. In addition, it is sometimes used in the production of dry shampoos and even face and body masks. The extensive use of potato starch in cosmetics is due to its soothing, regenerative and sweat-preventing properties. In addition, it is a non-sensitising ingredient that does not leave marks on the skin or clothing and remains an all-natural cosmetic agent.
