Effect of drying temperatures on starch-related functional and thermal properties of chestnut flours

The use of starchy flours in food systems greatly depends on the related functional properties of starch. The effect of drying temperatures on starch-related functional properties of flours obtained from fruits of the two most common Portuguese Castanea sativa varieties (Martainha and Longal) was evaluated. Flours were analysed for amylose and resistant starch contents, swelling ability, pasting properties and thermal characteristics. Drying temperature is positively correlated with amylose content, resistant starch and viscoamylographic properties, mainly the temperatures higher than 40 °C. Amylograms of fruits dried at 60 °C displayed higher peak viscosity (1370 B.U. and 2260 B.U. respectively for Longal and Martainha) when compared to the other temperatures tested (40 °C, 50 °C and 70 °C). Decreases in transition temperatures and in enthalpy evaluated by thermal analysis were observed with increasing drying temperatures, suggesting modifications in starch structure during the drying process. The effects of drying temperatures were more evident in Longal variety. The flours from the two chestnut varieties and from fruits dried at low temperatures and fruits dried at high temperature showed significant differences between the evaluated properties.