Isolation and characterization of starch from Cyperus esculentus tubers

Starch was extracted from the tubers of Cyperus esculentus with a yield of 20.51% on a dry weight basis. The starch, which was pure white in colour, was characterized in terms of granule size, cold water extracts, moisture and ash contents, paste stability, clarity, adhesive strength and line-spread at 50°C. The granule sizes compared well with those of rice starch, while the cold water extractives, moisture and ash contents were in keeping with standard values for starches. Solutions of the starch exhibited a good paste stability, clarity and adhesive strength. The line-spread test value indicated a use in feeds and confectioneries.