Modified starch - what is it? This product has no relation to GMOs. Genetically modified starch is essentially impossible. There are no genes in starch - it is just organic matter, but not a living entity. Thus, the frequently occurring modified corn starch is a modified starch, from the word “modification” - a change. The properties of starch are changed by biochemical, chemical, physical or combined treatment. On the territory of the Russian Federation about 20 types of starch are allowed for use. Each of them is used in accordance with the properties acquired as a result of the modification.
Modified starch: what is it in terms of technology
Modification of starch has several directions. The purpose of one of them is to eliminate the natural odor. Despite the fact that starch itself does not have a pronounced smell, sometimes its complete absence is necessary. This product is used for the production of cosmetics and food. Sometimes it is necessary to change the color of starch: as a rule, this is necessary when using it for technical purposes. Starch is often added to bulk products to give them greater friability, and to liquid products to prevent clumping. To do this, use modified starch, the change of which was aimed at increasing friability.
Modified starch: what is it for us?
Odorless starches are used for the production of baby powders, powdered sugar and baking powder. For technical purposes - starches with dyes. In the manufacture of mayonnaise, ketchup, sauces, creams, puddings and yoghurt, the ability of starch to swell is necessary. It also allows you to enhance the taste and texture of the product when baking cakes, pastries and bakery products. The production of sausages also can not do without starch: you need its ability to bind moisture, and also it is much cheaper than soy isolate and especially meat.
However, abuse of this product can make sausage tasteless, like rubber. Baby food is also not without starch. For example, to prevent delamination of mashed potatoes, it is precisely modified starch that is broken down into smaller parts, since in the normal state it is quite strong.
Modified starch - harm or benefit?
It is safe to say that starch is completely safe for a healthy person: in reasonable quantities, it can not spoil the taste or quality of products, but only improve them. For example, swelling starch undergoes the following modification: starch with water is kneaded in various proportions, depending on the desired result, then dried and crushed again. As you can see, there is nothing harmful to health in this operation. However, there is always a flip side: modified starch (what it is, we already have an idea) is contraindicated in a number of diseases, therefore manufacturers are required to indicate its presence in products.