Myrosma cannifolia, chemical composition and physicochemical properties ofthe extracted starch

Myrosma cannifolia Lf (Maranthaceae) is a tuber-producing plant which is na tive to Apure State in Venezuela and is consumed by the Pume Amerindians of the region. Its chemical composition and physical characteristics were det ermined. The chemical, physicochemical, morphometric characteristics and rh eological properties of starch isolated from Myrosoma were studied. The sta rch yield was 438.6 g kg(-1) (DW). Starch granules were oval, elliptical, i rregular and polyhedric, with granules of 9.5-21.25 mu m wide and 9.6-19.05 mu m long. Scanning electron micrographs revealed the presence of smooth s urfaces. The starch showed a characteristic 'A-pattern' of cereal starches by X-ray diffraction, with zones of high crystallinity. The amylographic st udy showed a rapid gelatinisation with high stability during heating and co oling cycles. The starch might be a potential ingredient for food products manufactured using different temperatures during processing. (C) 1999 Socie ty of Chemical Industry.