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A comparison of simple methods for estimating starch content of cassava roots
Author(s) -
Wholey Douglas W.,
Booth Robert H.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.2740300210
Subject(s) - starch , dry matter , specific gravity , chemistry , content (measure theory) , maceration (sewage) , water content , food science , mathematics , botany , environmental science , mineralogy , biology , geology , mathematical analysis , environmental engineering , geotechnical engineering
A comparison of simple methods for estimating starch content of cassava roots showed a strong relationship between root specific gravity and root dry matter content. In the absence of drying facilities a specific gravity balance appears adequate to separate root samples according to dry matter content. A strong relationship between root specific gravity and starch content was observed using a maceration/sieving technique. This relationship was close to a published relationship based on chemical analysis. Root dry matter content may be used as an indication of starch content but care should be exercised in using linear conversions until more information becomes available. Existing conversion tables from root specific gravity to starch content and the starch content calibrations on the Reimann balance used, grossly underestimated starch content of the samples analysed.