Acetylated, cross-linked and pre-gelatinized cassava starches were produced
in a single-screw extruder with different moisture contents (180, 220 and
260 g/kg), reagent-adipic acetic mixed anhydride-concentration (4, 11 and 1
8 g/kg) and screw speeds (100, 130 and 160 rpm). The acetylation. cross-lin
king and pre-gelatinization steps increased the cold viscosity, water absor
ption index and gel hardness, and reduced the gel cohesiveness, paste clari
ty and retrogradation of the starches produced. Products manufactured under
less severe operational conditions (260 g/kg moisture and 100 rpm screw sp
eed). and at higher reagent concentration (18 g/kg), had the major group of
functional characteristics preferred for puddings, instantaneous desserts
and foods subjected to low-temperature storage. Using 260 g/kg moisture, 1
g/kg reagent concentration and a screw speed of 160 rpm, the starch product
s gave high clarity, no syneresis and could be used in fruit pie fillings,
soups and canned foods.