Samples of Solanum tuberosum var. Primura were submitted to combined treatments of blanching and dehydration. Blanching was alternatively performed in hot distilled water, hot sugary-saline solution, by microwaves in distilled water or by microwaves in saline solution. Drying was alternatively carried out in an air cabinet, a microwave oven or a belt drier. In terms of process speed, colour retention and water absorption capacity, the best results were obtained combining microwave blanching with dehydration on the belt drier. In particular, dehydration on the belt drier levelled eventual negative effects determined by the blanching treatments. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.