Physico-Chemical Characterization Of Sweet Chestnut (Castanea Sativa L.) Starch Grown In Temperate Climate Of Kashmir, India

Abstract

Studies were conducted to characterize the chestnut starch for physico-chemical properties. Chemical composition of chestnut starch showed low levels of protein and ash indicating purity of starch. The results revealed low water and oil absorption capacity of chestnut starch. Starch showed high swelling power and low solubility index. Swelling power and solubility index of chestnut starch increased with increase in temperature (50-90 °C). The results revealed high initial, peak, setback, breakdown, and fi nal viscosity but low paste development temperature. Transmittance (%) of the starch gel was low and decreased with increasing storage period. The chestnut starch gel showed increase in % water release (syneresis) with increase in time of storage but was less susceptible to repeated cycles of freezing and thawing. Starch was also characterized for granule morphology. Starch granules were of round and oval shapes, some granules showed irregular shape.

Productive Performance of Chestnut Trees for Cultivation in Tropical Regions

“…In South America, chestnuts are mainly imported from Portugal (98.5%), with a small percentage from Spain (1.5%) (Bueno & Pio, 2014). Chestnut trees require mild climate and adequate moisture for growth and good productivity (Muzaffar et al, 2016). When exposed to high temperatures, they reduce their photosynthetic activity by 60% during the day (Gomes-Laranjo et al, 2006), demonstrating their potential for cultivation in tropical regions.…”