Cassava starch content

One of the most important factors in the production of industrial cassava is the starch content. A high starch content at the time of harvest ensures good performance in industrial processes.

There are varieties with high starch content such as TME419 in Nigeria and MTAI-8 in Colombia. These varieties are bitter and very attractive to the industry. However, the starch content may decrease depending on the time of harvest and environmental conditions. Cassava should normally be harvested in the summer, as the dry matter and starch content is high. When cassava is harvested in winter, the roots are saturated with water and moisture and the dry matter and starch contents are low. For this reason, it is important to have a good agricultural plan for sowing and harvesting, seeking to achieve the highest content during most of the year.

Some of the industrial uses of cassava starch are the paper industry, biodegradable materials, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, processed foods, sweeteners, alcohols, adhesives, textile industry, and chemical industry.