Starch is a polymeric carbohydrate/polysaccharide produced by plants as an energy source composed of two components- amylose and amylopectin.
- Amylose- Linear chain comprising about 500–2000 units of glucose
- Amylopectin- Highly branched consisting of over 1,000,000 glucose units. Combined, they constitute approximately 98–99% of the dry weight of starch.
Potatoes, peas, maize, cassava, wheat, tapioca etc are major starch producing crops.
Maize is one of the starchiest crops, accounting for about 80% of the total starch production worldwide, and has varied applications across industries.
It contains carbohydrates, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, zinc and calories.
| Thomas Kingsford invented cornstarch in 1842 when he discovered a way to isolate endosperms from corn kernels while working in a wheat starch factory in New Jersey.
Source: Myrecipes |
Maize Starch in Food Industry:
Having found its way into the food industry, maize starch has been used as a thickener, binder, emulsifier and texture enhancer. As a binding agent, it helps in thickening sauces, gravies and soups. It is used as a texture enhancer in foods and beverages. Usually mixed with a cold liquid to create a slurry and then added with a hot liquid to thicken, it forms a translucent mixture.
Since it is devoid of proteins, fats, and fibres, it is gluten-free. As a result, it is widely used in the gluten-free baking of bread, confectionaries, pasta, etc.
Maize starch is also a thickening and stabilising agent in canned and frozen foods. It helps enhance dairy and confectionery products’ viscosity, thickness and smoothness.
| Maize starch in found in these food products:
Desserts, breads, baby powder, gravies, sauces, chocolate, salad dressings, soups, canned and frozen goods, food coating, baking powder, chewing gum, etc. |
At Bluecraft Agro, we are one of the major manufacturers and distributors of maize starch. In the food industry, we provide-
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AmylostarTM
It is a low-moisture starch used as a thickener, emulsifier and gelling agent in sauces, gravies and cakes.
Maltodextrin is a gelling agent with non-crystallizing properties. It is easily digestible and absorbed by the small intestine. Being a soluble agent, it prevents lumps in food and beverages. It enables hydration, thus being an ingredient in energy drinks.
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Sorbitol
Sorbitol is a water-soluble polyhydric alcohol. A bulking agent, texture enhancer, low-calorie sweetener, stabilizer and cooling agent, it is used in products like toothpaste, cosmetics, confectionaries, chewing gums and energy drinks.
This edible oil effectively lowers cholesterol levels and controls weight. It has a good taste, resists developing off-flavours and offers high levels of polyunsaturated fats.