Tärkkelystuotteita

Tärkkelystuotteita, often translated as starch products, refers to a diverse range of substances derived from the starch found in various plants. Starch is a complex carbohydrate, a polysaccharide, that serves as a primary energy storage form in plants. Common sources for industrial starch production include corn, wheat, potatoes, and tapioca.

The extraction process typically involves milling the plant source to release the starch granules, followed by washing and drying. Once extracted, starch can be used in its native form or modified through various physical, chemical, or enzymatic treatments to alter its properties. These modifications can enhance its thickening, binding, gelling, or emulsifying capabilities, making it suitable for a wide array of applications.

In the food industry, tärkkelystuotteita are extensively used as thickeners in sauces, soups, and gravies, as stabilizers in dairy products and desserts, and as binders in processed meats and baked goods. They also contribute to texture and mouthfeel. Beyond food, starch products play significant roles in papermaking as a binder and coating agent to improve paper strength and printability. They are also utilized in the textile industry for sizing to stiffen yarns and in the pharmaceutical sector as binders and disintegrants in tablets. Furthermore, starch derivatives are finding applications in biodegradable plastics and as components in adhesives.