Myrosma cannifolia, chemical composition and physicochemical properties of the extracted starch

Myrosma cannifolia Lf (Maranthaceae) is a tuber-producing plant which is native to Apure State in Venezuela and is consumed by the Pume Amerindians of the region. Its chemical composition and physical characteristics were determined. The chemical, physicochemical, morphometric characteristics and rheological properties of starch isolated from Myrosma were studied. The starch yield was 438.6 g kg −1 (DW). Starch granules were oval, elliptical, irregular and polyhedric, with granules of 9.5–21.25 μm wide and 9.6–19.05 μm long. Scanning electron micrographs revealed the presence of smooth surfaces. The starch showed a characteristic ‘A-pattern’ of cereal starches by X-ray diffraction, with zones of high crystallinity. The amylographic study showed a rapid gelatinisation with high stability during heating and cooling cycles. The starch might be a potential ingredient for food products manufactured using different temperatures during processing. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry