Instant potato flakes

Instant potato flakes are a practical and versatile ingredient made from dehydrated mashed potatoes that have been processed into fine flakes. They are primarily used to quickly prepare mashed potatoes without the need to cook fresh potatoes, and also as thickeners or binders in various recipes, such as meatballs, croquettes, soufflés, and savory pastry doughs.

The origin of instant potato flakes dates back to preservation and dehydration techniques developed in Europe and North America during the 20th century, designed to facilitate food preparation and extend its shelf life without losing the flavor and natural properties of the potato.

Among their properties, their high content of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy, stands out. They also provide fiber and certain B vitamins, although in smaller amounts due to the dehydration process. By their nature, they have a long shelf life and are very easy to store and handle in the kitchen.

Depending on the Hispanic American region, instant potato flakes may be known by different names such as instant potato flour, mashed potato flakes, dehydrated potato flakes, or simply potato mash flakes. In all cases, they refer to the same utilitarian product in domestic and industrial gastronomy.