Q and A for Short Term #4

What is the pH of the product? -- Considered low acid

What is the time and temp. of retort? -- Not determined; Normal canned potato--240° for 34 minutes

Type of retort? -- Still

What are the ingredients? -- Open to investigation

What kind of packaging? -- Can

Reheat instructions? -- Pour into microwave safe container and reheat

Target shelf life? -- 2 years

What form do you want potatoes in? -- cubed

Do potatoes have skin? -- no

what type of potato—variety? -- no specific type

do you mind doing canning in a jar? -- no but limits choices of co-packer used

will you be treating for browning problems? -- depends on co-packer—generally don’t need to

what is can dimension? -- 401/411

do you want potatoes to keep form or mash? -- stay in cubes 

Is there a current market product like this? -- nothing on market today like this

what are texture and flavor desires? -- flavor—mimic potato cooked in pot-roast, texture—soft but firm enough to withstand handling

Are you precooking? -- blanche product first

willing to add preservatives? -- yes

looking for one flavor or trying to make different kinds of flavors? -- Looking for different flavors—garlic butter and others

Willing to use flavoring agents? -- Might have to in order to mimic properties

What is the water content of product? -- Thickening starch added with water

Trying to make a gravy? -- Yes, to an extent

Is this going to be a main dish? -- Side dish

Do you want any other particulates other than potato? -- Depends on flavor—some carrots, celery and onions

Order of filling? -- Dry—potatoes and veggies topped off with broth with starch

How thick do you want gravy to be? -- Medium thickness—10-12 on Bostwick

How much are you willing to spend—cost limitations? -- None for this project because ingredients can be manipulated

What is target price? -- Not determined

Monosodium glutamate addition acceptable? -- Absolutely

Average specific gravity of potatoes? -- Don’t know

Who is your target customer? -- Female—28-40’s—working

Headspace in the can? -- Has to be for vacuum

Do you have any processing limitations in terms of retort? -- none

What is the desired color? -- tan potato color and deeper brown gravy