Physicochemical Properties of Starch from Kaga Lotus Rhizome

The physicochemical properties of starch from Kaga lotus (Shina-shirohana cultivar derived from Chinese lotus) cultivated in Ishikawa Prefecture were investigated in comparison with starch from Chinese lotus cultivated in Ibaraki Prefecture. RVA analysis indicated starch from Kaga lotus had high peak viscosity compared with starch from Ibaraki lotus. Morphological observations showed that starch granules from Kaga lotus had a longer shape than starch granules from the Ibaraki lotus. The amylose content of starch from Kaga lotus was 11.3%, while that from Ibaraki lotus was 14.7%. The phosphorus content was comparable in both starches. Taken together, these results suggest the lower amylose content of starch from Kaga lotus contributes to its high stickiness.