Physicochemical, thermal, microstructural and paste properties comparison of four achira (Canna edulis sp.) starch ecotypes

Four Colombian achira (Canna edulis sp.) starch ecotypes were characterised, and their physicochemical, thermal, microstructural and paste properties were compared. Proximate composition, pH, total starch, amylose content, amylopectin content, colour, paste clarity, water retention properties, granule size, crystal structure, and thermal and pasting properties were evaluated. Moisture content, protein content, water absorption and swelling power were greatest (P < 0.05) for “Negra” and “Morada” but “Negra”had more lipid and higher solubility (P < 0.05). The brightest (L* >92) ecotypes (“Nativa” and “Morada”), in addition to ecotype “Negra”, had superior paste clarity compared with ecotype “Verde”. All four ecotypes presented a B-type X-ray pattern and large grain size (>30 μm); only “Morada” presented 40.30% medium-sized-grains. Ecotypes “Nativa” and “Negra” showed the greatest thermal transition temperature, whereas, ecotypes “Verde” and “Morada” had the highest peak viscosity. Each ecotype showed unique properties and specific behaviour that are worth exploring in various applications.