In a video produced by Pure Farm on their YouTube channel, the process of making McDonald's French fries is detailed, showcasing the journey from farm to fryer. McDonald's, a global fast-food icon, sources millions of pounds of potatoes, specifically the Russet Burbank variety, known for its ideal fry-making qualities, from the Pacific Northwest, including a significant portion from Idaho. These potatoes are grown in volcanic soil, leveraging sustainable practices such as crop rotation and advanced irrigation to optimize growth and minimize water waste, alongside integrated pest management to limit chemical pesticide use.
Harvesting utilizes specialized machinery to prevent damage, followed by storage in temperature-controlled environments. At processing facilities, rigorous quality control is applied with technologies like optical sorting to select the best potatoes. The production process involves peeling, cutting with high-pressure water jets, blanching to improve texture and color, partial frying in vegetable oils, and flash freezing. McDonald's commitment to sustainability is evident in their encouragement of sustainable farming and efforts to reduce environmental impact while maintaining their fries' iconic taste.
The final steps see the fries transported to restaurants in temperature-controlled trucks, cooked fresh to order, and served to customers. This video highlights the intricate technology and care involved in producing McDonald's French fries, underscoring the brand's dedication to quality and sustainability.
Source: Potato News Today