Technology of resistant starch

Resumen

In recent years the discovery of the starch fraction called resistant starch (RS) has lead to numerous investigations. The nature of this fraction is very heterogeneous, and it comprises different types of resistant starches. From a technological point of view, RS type III or retrograded starch is the most important fraction. This resistant starch is formed after heating and cooling processes which therefore may occur in numerous fresh foods and foodstuffs. This brief review describes the gela tinization and retrogradation, which occur during heating and cooling, involved in the formation of resistant starch. The influence on RS formation of technological processes used in the manu facture of cereals has been studied as well as the influence of certain treatments used in legumes. In addition, the interactions between starch and nutrients such as proteins, lipids and sugars have also been studied. Recently, a high pressure autoclave has been used in a gelatinization system, which allows a better technological control and an increase in RS yields in comparison to conven tional systems.