Modified starch - what is it?

Modified starch - what is it? This product has not the slightest relation to GMOs. Genetically modified starch is, in fact, impossible. Starch does not contain genes - it's just an organic matter, but not a living entity. Thus, the common corn starch modified is changed starch, from the word "modification" is a change. The properties of starch have been altered by biochemical, chemical, physical or combined treatment. On the territory of the Russian Federation, about 20 kinds of starch are allowed to 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

The modification of starch has several directions. The goal of one of them is to eliminate the natural odor. Despite the fact that starch itself does not have a pronounced odor, sometimes its complete absence is necessary. Such a product is used for the production of cosmetics and food products. Sometimes it is necessary to change the color of starch: as a rule, it is necessary when using it for technical purposes. Often, starch is added to free-flowing products to give them more friability, and to liquid so as to prevent clumping. To do this, use modified starch, the change of which was aimed at increasing the friability.

Modified starch: what is it for us?

For the production of baby powders, powdered sugar and baking powder, starches are used odorless. For technical purposes - starches with dyes. When making mayonnaises, ketchups, 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: its ability to bind moisture is needed, and also it is much cheaper than soy isolate and especially meat.
However, the abuse of this product can make sausage tasteless, similar to rubber. Baby food is also not without starch. For example, to prevent the separation of puree, it is necessary to modify the starch, broken into smaller parts, since in the usual state it strengthens quite strongly.

Modified starch - harm or benefit?

It can be said with certainty that starch is completely safe for a healthy person: in reasonable quantities, it can not spoil neither taste nor quality of products, but only improve them. For example, the swelling starch is subjected to the following modification: starch with water is kneaded in various proportions, depending on the desired result, then dried and again ground. As you can see, there is nothing harmful to health in this operation. However, there is always a downside: modified starch (which is what we already know) is contraindicated in a number of diseases, so manufacturers are required to indicate its presence in products.