Assessment of some parameters involved in the gelatinization and retrogration of starch

Factors influencing the formation of resistant starch (RS) during gelatinization and retrogradation were studied in starches and flours from cereals (wheat, corn, rice) and potato. RS obtained using a high-pressure autoclave system varied between 3.94 and 21.21% (rice and potato starches, respectively) similar to the values obtained after gelatinization in a boiling water bath. Except for rice, RS was higher in pure starches than in flours. Stirring during gelatinization yielded more homogeneous products than non-stirred samples. Apparently, gelatinization was unaffected by pH values between 3.5 and 10.5. To obtain optimum RS yields during retrogradation, it was necessary to cool down starch gels prior to freezing, followed by thawing at room temperature and drying at 60 degrees C. These conditions ensure good yields in the formation of RS with potential industrial applications. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.