Introduction:
Have you ever wondered what makes McDonald’s potatoes so special? The fries are made using carefully chosen varieties like Russet Burbank and Shepody. These potatoes are known for their high starch and low moisture content, which make them perfect for achieving McDonald’s signature golden crispness. Sustainable farming practices, such as those in Idaho, also play a major role. For more details about these potato varieties, visit Potato Goodness.
Key Potato Varieties in McDonald’s Fries
The foundation of McDonald’s iconic fries is its carefully chosen potato varieties. These are the top potatoes McDonald’s uses:
- Russet Burbank: This variety is the primary choice, making up 50% of McDonald’s supply.
- Shepody Potatoes: These account for 40%, known for their light color and long shape.
- Ranger Russet and Umatilla Russet: These varieties fine-tune the sugar content and add texture to the blend.
For a detailed look at potato varieties, check out this Ultimate Guide to Potatoes.
How McDonald’s Turns Potatoes into Iconic Fries
From farm to fryer, the process behind McDonald’s fries is fascinating:
1. Sustainable Farming Practices
McDonald’s partners with farmers in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon to ensure high-quality potatoes grown with sustainable techniques.
2. Processing and Freezing
After harvesting, potatoes are peeled, sliced, and flash-frozen to preserve freshness. These potatoes, specifically chosen for McDonald’s fries, are par-fried in oil before packaging.
3. Final Frying at Restaurants
The frozen fries are delivered to restaurants worldwide, where they are fried in a mix of canola and sunflower oil for their signature golden crispiness.
Want to cook amazing potato dishes at home? Try these 10 Irresistible Potato Recipes for inspiration.
Why McDonald’s Potatoes Are Unique
Key Features That Set McDonald’s Potatoes Apart
- High Starch Content: Creates a fluffy interior.
- Low Moisture: Ensures crispy fries after frying.
- Consistent Size and Color: Advanced technology ensures that every fry meets McDonald’s exacting standards.
McDonald’s potatoes are carefully selected and processed for perfection compared to competitors.
Fun Facts About McDonald’s Fries
Here are some surprising facts about McDonald’s potatoes and fries:
- McDonald’s uses over 3.4 billion pounds of potatoes annually.
- McDonald’s fries account for 7% of U.S. potato production.
- If all McDonald’s fries sold in a year were laid end to end, they would circle the Earth 100 times.
For more details see Potato Goodness – Types of Potatoes – linked when describing Russet Burbank and Shepody varieties.
Conclusion
The next time you enjoy McDonald’s fries, remember the journey of the potatoes McDonald’s uses. From carefully chosen varieties like Russet Burbank to sustainable farming and advanced processing, each fry is a testament to quality and innovation.
Explore 5 Healthy Potato Dishes and elevate your meals for more ways to enjoy potatoes.
