Starch: Sources and Uses

Starch is a vital component derived from crops like maize, wheat, and potatoes, processed across the EU. It is separated from fibers, proteins, and oils, and transformed into products like glucose syrups. Starch is essential in the food, drink, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, enhancing product quality and shelf life. It also serves as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels in various applications. Starch's versatility and sustainability make it indispensable in modern life.

What is the primary agricultural source of starch in the EU?

• Soybeans

• Barley

• Maize

• Rice

What is the first step in the processing of starch?

• Packaging

• Separation from fibers, proteins, and oils

• Fermentation

• Drying

Which industry primarily uses native and modified starches?

• Automotive

• Construction

• Food, paper, and chemical

• Textile

How is starch transformed for use in the food and drink industry?

• By mixing it with water

• By freezing it

• By converting it into glucose syrups

• By fermenting it

What role did starch play in the paper and textile industry historically?

• As a dye

• As a binder and stiffener

• As a solvent

• As a fuel

Which property of bread is enhanced by starch?

• Size

• Smell

• Tenderness and crunchiness

• Color

In what form is starch used in intravenous drips?

• As a solid

• As glucose

• As a powder

• As a gas

What is one of the sustainable uses of starch in chemical products?

• As a fossil fuel

• As a renewable alternative

• As a pesticide

• As a metal alloy

What is a key focus of ongoing research on starch?

• To increase its color

• To improve its characteristics for sustainable ingredients

• To make it more expensive

• To reduce its availability

From which crops does starch originate?

• Rice, barley, and oats

• Bananas, apples, and grapes

• Maize, wheat, and potatoes

• Soybeans, corn, and peas