Isolation, Composition, Structure, Properties, Modifications, and Uses of Yam Starch

Abstract Starch is the major carbohydrate in yam tubers and can amount up to 80% of the dry matter. The starch quality determines the quality of food and industrial products made from yam tubers. This review summarizes the present knowledge of the isolation, composition, structure, property, modifications, and uses of starches from diverse yam species. Compared with other tuber and root starches, there is a lack of systematic information on the yam starches. This hinders the further development of yams as sustainable crops as well as the value‐added processing of the starches. Therefore, suggestions on how to better understand and utilize these starches are provided.