Characterization of some properties of starches isolated from Xanthosoma sagittifolium (tannia)and Colocassia esculenta (taro)

In this study, moisture, ash, amylose, phosphorous content, and the gelatinization profiles of starches isolated from Colocasia esculenta (taro), and Xanthosoma sagitifolium (tannia)storage organs were evaluated. The gelatinization profile and the changes in the heat flow or enthalpy during the gelatinization process were evaluated by DSC methodology. The phosphorous and amylose content were also analyzed by a colorimetric method. The results show that the amylose content of the starch isolated from Xanthosoma sagittifolium is higher than those shown by Colocasia esculenta and Manihot esculenta Crantz starches. The phosphorous content was higher in Xanthosoma sagittifolium than Colocasia esculenta or the commercial Manihot esculenta C. starches. The gelatinization profile range is wider in Manihot esculenta C. than the other two starches. Differences in these parameters may affect the functional properties of the products formulated with these starches. The most significant relationship between parameters was found between the amylose and gelatinization profile and enthalpic change and ash.