Physicochemical and functional properties of makal (Xanthosoma yucatanensis) starch

Physicochemical and functional properties of makal (Xanthosoma yucatanensis) starch were determined. Granules were oval in shape and 12.4 μm average diameter. Starch purity was high (96.7%) with low protein (0.1%), fat (0.2%), fibre (0.4%) and ash (0.1%) contents. Amylose content was 22.4%. The gelatinization temperature was 78.5 °C and transition enthalpy was 15 J/g. At 90 °C, solubility was 32.9%, swelling power was 28.6 g water/g starch and water absorption capacity was 19.2 g water/g starch. Pasting characteristics were: temperature 75 °C, maximum viscosity 280 BU, breakdown −8 BU, setback 180 BU and consistency 172 BU. Clarity, expressed as transmittance, was 35.8%. Gel deformation was 20.8% with a 0.03 kgf maximum load. Makal starch’s high gelification temperature and firmness make it appropriate for use in high temperature food systems, but its low stability in refrigeration and freezing cycles make it inadequate for use in foods subject to those conditions.