What is potato starch used for and what can be made from it?

Potato starch is a carbohydrate formed in the tuber as a result of photosynthesis. Under the influence of sunlight, a chemical process is started in the leaves of the plant, the purpose of which is to create a supply of nutrients for the roots, fruits and stems. The result is the accumulation in potato tubers of a substance with a polymer formula, which in industry and in everyday life is called starch and is used for a variety of purposes - from culinary to medicinal.

How to obtain starch

Starch synthesis in potatoes – a completely natural process that does not require human participation. The industry's task is to extract it from tubers, where the compound accumulates in the form of grains in the pulp near the peel and eyes.

The product is crushed, washed with water to obtain starch milk, and from it, using a centrifuge, a fine white powder is obtained, which is sometimes not entirely correctly called potato flour.

The substance is divided into grades based on appearance, degree of purification and acidity of the final product. Extra and premium potato starch is white with a crystalline sheen, while the first and second grades are white with a grayish tint.

There are also product grades A and B, which indicate the permissible moisture content: 38-40% and 50-52%, respectively.

Composition and energy value

Starch belongs to the class of carbohydrates. These are substances that provide energy to all life processes of plants, animals, and people. The chemical formula of a substance (C6H10O5)n indicates that its molecule is made up of a certain number of identical particles, although their exact number is unknown.

Analyzing the chemical composition, you can see that the starch molecule is a molecule of grape sugar (C6H12O6), but without one molecule of water. That is, at their core, these are glucose molecules consisting of many chains.

Potato starch contains no fat and practically no protein, that is, it is a pure carbohydrate with a nutritional value of about 300 kcal.

Beneficial features

Starch from potato tubers is beneficial for the body in its natural form (i.e. directly in potatoes) and in the form of a ready-made powder, which is directly used or added to various dishes. It has enveloping, softening and anti-inflammatory properties.

In addition to saturating the body with energy, starch has other properties:

• reduces the risk of atherosclerosis by cleansing the blood and liver of excess cholesterol;
• replenishes the lack of potassium, magnesium, sodium, and other nutrients;
• helps normalize metabolism by participating in the synthesis of riboflavin and preventing its breakdown;
• helps the body in the fight against pathogenic cells, tumor and inflammatory processes (especially starch in its natural form);
• supports and strengthens the immune system;
• reduces the rate of sugar absorption in the intestine;
• reduces acidity in the stomach and intestines, preventing the development of ulcers;
• removes excess fluid from the body, facilitating kidney function.

Refined starch is used in folk medicine: application remedies for poisoning, preparing face masks, treating burns.

Harm of starch

Like any other carbohydrate product, in excess quantities starch can harm the body. The first and most obvious consequence of abuse is fat accumulation. The body does not have time to expend the energy obtained from food rich in starch, and begins to deposit it under the skin and in the abdominal cavity.

Excess carbohydrates can cause gastrointestinal diseases, decreased immunity, and sometimes even visual, speech, and breathing disorders. There are cases of individual intolerance to starch.

Cooking at home

To produce starch, potatoes of the most starchy varieties are selected in production. But at home you can make it from rejected potatoes - small, damaged or slightly spoiled.

Procedure:

1. Rinse the selected tubers thoroughly and grate them, occasionally pouring water over them. As an option, grind the potatoes in a juicer, then mix the resulting mass with water 1:1.
2. Filter the mass through gauze, nylon or other fine mesh fabric; if impurities remain, repeat the procedure.
3. Leave the starch milk obtained after filtration to settle.
4. When the starch settles to the bottom, carefully drain the liquid.
5. Spread the sediment on a flat surface: parchment, cardboard, etc., layer thickness - up to 1 cm.
6. Dry using a dryer, oven or any other convenient method.

The readiness of the product is determined by touch - by the absence of wet lumps. To make it crumbly, roll out the starch with a rolling pin. Starch is stored in closed jars and used for baking, jelly and other dishes.

Important! The drying temperature should not exceed 40°C, becauseraw starch can turn into a paste when heated.

What can be made from potato starch

In addition to the obvious culinary uses of starch, there are other ways to use it in everyday life - from medicinal recipes to household needs.

Wallpaper glue

Starch-based paste has been used for pasting walls with paper wallpaper for more than half a century. Its advantage is that even on thin and light paper there are no yellow marks or stains, and such wallpaper can be easily removed later. The same properties are important when gluing wooden windows: the paper strips are easily removed and do not leave marks when you need to open the frames.

To prepare the glue, starch is sifted, poured with warm water and stirred until smooth, and then boiling water is poured in. The ratio of powder and water is selected based on the desired thickness of the glue.

The second option is to boil water and add starch in a thin stream, stirring constantly, until the required thickness.

Advice. This glue can be prepared for children for creative activities: it does not cause allergies and is not harmful to the body if it accidentally gets into the mouth or other mucous membranes.

Face masks

In home cosmetology, starch has proven itself as a whitening and regenerating agent.

Included masks this connection:

• increases skin tone and elasticity;
• stimulates the process of cell restoration and collagen production;
• brightens skin tone in general, as well as freckles and age spots;
• increases the effectiveness of peeling compositions, acting as a catalyst for processes.

The powder is used for self-preparation masks according to recipes or added to face care creams.The simplest recipe to evaluate its properties is to cook “jelly” from starch and water in a 1:1 ratio and apply it with a cotton pad on the face and neck for 30-40 minutes. Afterwards, rinse off the mixture with warm water and, if necessary, apply a nourishing cream.

Detergent

Due to its finely dispersed structure, starch works as a cleaner. For example, if you need to clean a stain on the carpet, just sprinkle it with powder and leave it for 10-15 minutes, and then vacuum it.

To clean windows, the substance is added to water: the crystals wash away dirt and grease without leaving streaks on the glass.

A solution of starch in water is also used to clean silver jewelry and cutlery: add a couple of spoons of powder to water and soak the silver. After this, wash in the usual way.

Deodorant

Many have heard about the dangers of regular use of antiperspirants, which block pores and disrupt the natural functioning of the sweat glands. Among the many alternative methods is the use of starch. Its ability to absorb moisture and odors is due to its powdery texture.

To protect against odors, potato powder is used as a powder or a natural deodorant is prepared: half a glass of starch is mixed with the same amount of soda and coconut oil.

After mixing, a thick paste is obtained, which is placed in a container from a regular deodorant stick and put in the refrigerator, where it thickens. After this, use the product on a hot day as a regular deodorant.

Remedy for burns and insect bites

Traditional medicine uses the ability of starch to relieve inflammation. In case of burns, it is recommended to immediately moisten the potato starch with water and apply the mixture to the burned area: this will prevent the appearance of blisters.If you don’t have powder on hand, you can apply a cut of raw potato to the burn site.

The method also works for insect bites - starch moistened with water or a circle of raw potatoes will relieve itching and burning and soothe the skin.

Planting carrots

Gardeners use potato powder to make the process easier. planting carrots, requiring increased attention due to the small size of the seeds.

Before planting the sprouted seeds, they are stirred in “jelly”, which is prepared according to this recipe:

• 30 g of starch is diluted in 0.5 cups of water;
• boil 900 ml of water, pour the mixture into it in a thin stream;
• Place the pan in a large container with heated water and, stirring constantly, heat without bringing to a boil.

The sprouted seeds are carefully poured into the cooled “jelly”, and then they are planted in the ground using the “liquid method” - pouring them evenly into the holes. This promotes simultaneous germination.

Play dough

What else is potato starch used for? One of the most interesting options is making homemade plasticine. It compares favorably with the store-bought one not only because of its pleasant texture, but also because the components are harmless. This is true for young children who definitely taste everything they get their hands on.

To prepare clay for modeling, mix half a cup of starch with a glass of soda in a saucepan, pour in about 2/3 cup of water and add food coloring. Cook over medium heat until a thick sticky mass forms, then remove from heat and allow to cool.

The finished mass is kneaded with the addition of a small amount (1-1.5 tsp) of vegetable oil so that the clay does not stick to your hands. At this stage, starch is added if the mass is too soft.However, if you add too much powder, the clay will start to crumble.

Several servings of this mass with different dyes will replace a whole set of plasticine, and most importantly, they will be completely safe for the child’s health.

Conclusion

Potato starch is an indispensable substance in everyday life if you know all the ways to use it. Even if someone cannot use it in cooking due to intolerance, it is possible to use this substance in everyday life for the preparation of cosmetics, detergents and medicinal products.