Abstract
The effect of okra gum (OE) on the physical properties of rice and sorghum starches was investigated using rapid visco-analyzer (RVA), Brookfield viscometer, differential scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and light microscopy. Starch was replaced with 5, 10, 15% OE weight basis (g/100 g). In the presence of OE, the peak and final viscosity as well as the setback of both starches were reduced. However, the difference between the theoretical and the measured setback was more than just can be attributed to the omitted starch. The DSC data of the blends showed higher peak temperature compared to the control, indicating slower starch gelatinization in the presence of OE. Brookfield profiles demonstrated increase in shear stress at higher shear rate confirming pseudoplasticity of the system (n < 1). Over all, it can be assumed that OE has influenced the properties of the starches, particularly, by decreasing viscosity, setback, and pseudoplasticity of the starch gels. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.