The present application relates to a process of producing an oil fried, batter coated vegetable food article. The process optionally relates to the production of an oil fried, batter coated vegetable article where the batter coating covers a vegetable, such as a potato portion, optionally a French fry. The present application further relates to a process of producing an oil-fried starchy vegetable food article in the absence of a batter. Optionally the vegetable is an oil fried potato food article. The present disclosure further relates to a steam treatment apparatus which produces steam and creates a steam environment for a food product to pass through prior to the frying of the food product in oil. The food product may be at least partially formed from one or more vegetables and coated in a coating containing starch that is treated with steam prior to being fried in oil. Alternatively, the food product may be a portion of a starchy vegetable which is blanched prior to being steamed treated and fried in oil.
