Dehydrated potatoes are really the same as instant potatoes, and this latter term is perhaps more familiar to you. If you are like thousands of other US people, you buy dehydrated potatoes on a consistent basis and frequently use them in your cooking.

Think about how often you have gone to the local greengrocer to buy dehydrated potatoes. Once a week? Twice a month? In those times that you have got a pack that says “Instant Potatoes,” have you checked the package for the list of ingredients contained in the pack? Next time you go out to buy your fave brand of dehydrated potatoes, you should try taking a look at the list of ingredients. You may be in for a shock.

Actually, we have done that to one of the less expensive types of dehydrated products – check out its ingredients, that is. We went to our local Aldi’s and grabbed a box of “Great Worth Instant Potatoes.” You would expect the package to contain potatoes, and nothing else right? In fact, it’s just instant potatoes, so what else should be in there?

Here is a catalogue of the ingredients that are essentially included in the pack of dehydrated potatoes:

– potato ( you would actually be shocked if this wasn’t included )
– monocerides ( these are fats)
– diglycerides ( another sort of fats )
– sodium acid pyrophosphate ( this is basically a chemical used in electroplating)
– sodium metabisulfate ( this chemical is used with antioxidants)
– citric acid (a weak acid used for flavoring )
– BHT or butylated hydroxytoluene (a fat and oil antioxidant that has been quite controversial in the food-processing industry)

Out of all these listed ingredients, the sole one that basically has business being in a pack of dehydrated potatoes is the potato itself. So what are all the other stuff doing in there? Just seeing the quantity of chemicals concerned in making dehydrated potatoes will make you want to think twice about purchasing them again.

You do have the choice of making your own dehydrated potatoes. You may be certain that there are no dangerous chemicals added, and you can have a nice time making them. The method is fairly simple, and you can turn it into a fun activity for the family, particularly if you have kids around. For more data see http://www.dehydratedfoodguide.com/Articles/Dehydrated_Mushroom.php on Dehydrated Mushroom.

When making dehydrated potatoes at home, just follow these straightforward steps:

1. Cut your potatoes into thin slices.
2. Place them in a warm oven.
3. Keep turning them till they become crispy and dry.
4. Mash them into powder and put them in airtight containers.

You can ask your children to help you in this last part. Just ensure that everything is orderly so you won’t have to clean up too much afterwards.

For more information about food and useful cooking tips, check out cooking101.org and also have a look at how to make potato wedges.