This book provides comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge relating to the morphological, structural, and functional characteristics of tuber starches, particularly in relation to their applications in food and industry. In recent years there has been significant progress and extensive research conducted on tropical root starches and especially on some of the lesser known tuber crop starches. There has also been a shift towards using biomaterials in place of synthetic materials in various applications. As researchers investigate the availability of natural products with similar properties, starch has been identified as a reliable alternative to these synthetic materials. Reflecting the growing body of research, Tropical Tuber Starches: - Explores the structure, properties and applications of tropical root and tuber starches (cassava, sweet potato, aroids, yams and other minor tuber crops) - Includes a chapter on the methodology for starch characterisation - Covers patents on starch-based products and the commercial potential of tropical root starches A valuable resource for researchers and students, plant breeders, and commercial producers working with, or considering working with, tropical tuber starches.

Table of Contents

• 1: Introduction - Tropical Tuber Crops and Their Importance
• 2: Starch - General Considerations
• 3: Cassava
• 4: Sweet Potato
• 5: Aroids
• 6: Yams
• 7: Other Starches
• 8: Starch Modifications
• 9: Applications of Tuber Starches
• 10: Characterization and Analysis of Starches
• 11: Conclusions and Future Prospects