Edible canna starch: a comprehensive review of its characteristics related to food uses

Abstract

Edible canna is the common name given to Canna indica L., also known as Canna edulis Ker Gawl. This Andean crop has been gaining attention due to some characteristics of its rhizome starch that distinguish it from those found in other roots and tubers. Canna starch is currently used in some regions of Latin America for producing traditional baked products and desserts. In Asian countries such as China and Vietnam, it is industrially produced mainly for the elaboration of starch noodles. This review summarizes the up-to-date knowledge about edible canna as a starch source for the food industry. The composition, granule morphology, and molecular structure of canna starch are described and related to the functional properties displayed as a food ingredient. The thermal and pasting properties, gel stability, digestibility, and susceptibility to acid hydrolysis are also addressed, as well as recent reports on physical and chemical modifications to expand its applications in the food industry.