Tärkkelyskasvit

Tärkkelyskasvit, also known as starch crops, are plants cultivated primarily for their high starch content. Starch is a complex carbohydrate that serves as a significant energy source for humans and animals. These crops are crucial for global food security, providing staple foods for a large portion of the world's population.

The most common tärkkelyskasvit include potatoes, cassava (manioc), sweet potatoes, yams, and various grains like wheat, rice, maize (corn), and barley. While grains are also considered cereals, their high starch yield often places them in the category of starch crops when discussing food production.

Potatoes are tubers, with the potato plant storing starch in underground swellings. Cassava is a root vegetable, native to South America, and is a vital food source in many tropical regions. Sweet potatoes and yams are also root or tuberous plants that store significant amounts of starch.

Grains, on the other hand, store starch in their seeds. They are cultivated on a massive scale worldwide and are processed into flour, meal, and other forms for consumption. The versatility of these crops allows them to be used in a wide array of food products, from bread and pasta to alcoholic beverages and animal feed. Beyond direct consumption, starch extracted from these plants has numerous industrial applications, including in the paper, textile, and pharmaceutical industries.