Proximate and starch composition of marama [Tylosema esculentum] storage roots during an annual growth period.

The aim of this study was to determine the most suitable time for harvesting marama [Tylosema esculentum) root as an alternative source of novel starch by evaluating the quality of marama root and its starch during growth periods of 12 months. The effects of time on the proximate analysis of marama roots as well as the thermal properties, size and physicochemical properties of the starch were also investigated. Marama was planted in September and total starch of marama roots on both as is and dry bases increased significantly (p<0.05) from 24 g/kg to 115 g/kg and 259 g/kg to 601 g/kg, respectively, from 2 to 12 months after planting. Amylose content significantly (p < 0.05) decreased from about 50.7% to 21.4% of the starch for the same time period. The size of marama root starch granules significantly (p<0.05) increased from 8.6 pm to 15.1 pm. The marama root harvested after 2 months had the highest crude protein content (33.6%). In terms of thermal properties, the peak temperature decreased significantly with time (ranging from 93.0 °C to 73.4 °C), while the AH increased significantly with time. The findings indicate that marama should be planted early in summer and harvested between 4 and 8 months for optimal starch before winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]