The species of the genus Pachyrhizus have been studied as a potential starchy raw material source. This work had as purpose the characterization of P. ahipa roots and process the roots in laboratory for starch extraction. The centesimal composition and amylose content of starch were analyzed. The starch granule size and shape were observed in scanning electronic microscopy. The Rapid Visco Analyzer was used for viscosity analysis. The P. ahipa roots showed high humidity (82%) and 7,68% of starch. The process yield was low (4.28%), which reveal the necessity of searches for improving starch extraction. The product showed 12.3% of humidity, 84% of starch (13% amylose) and low content of other components. The starch granules had circular and polygonal shapes; the size ranged between 10 and 25mm. The viscosity profile of the P. ahipa starch showed low pasting temperature (56ºC), peak at 272 RVU, high breakdown value and a tendency to setback.
root; starch; microscopy; viscosity
