Potato starch is a type of starch extracted from crushed potatoes. It has a neutral flavor and high thickening capability, making it a desirable product in the food industry. It’s also gluten-free, which means it can be used as a substitute for wheat flour in baking and cooking.
But not all potato starches are created equal. There are two main types of potato starch: organic and regular. What are the differences between them and why should you choose organic potato starch over regular potato starch? Here are some reasons to consider.
Organic Potato Starch is Free of Pesticides and GMOs
One of the main advantages of organic potato starch is that it is free of pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Pesticides are chemicals used to kill pests that may damage crops, but they can also have harmful effects on human health and the environment. GMOs are organisms that have been altered by genetic engineering to have certain traits, such as resistance to herbicides or pests.
Organic potato starch is made from potatoes that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. They are also not genetically modified or irradiated. This means that organic potato starch is safer and more natural than regular potato starch, which may contain traces of chemicals or GMOs.
Organic Potato Starch has Higher Resistant Starch Content
Another benefit of organic potato starch is that it has higher resistant starch content than regular potato starch. Resistant starch is a type of starch that resists digestion in the small intestine and reaches the large intestine, where it feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Resistant starch has been shown to have various health benefits, such as:
- improving blood sugar control
- lowering cholesterol levels
- reducing inflammation
- enhancing immunity
- promoting weight loss
- preventing constipation
Organic potato starch has higher resistant starch content because it is less processed than regular potato starch. Regular potato starch undergoes more heating and drying steps, which can reduce the amount of resistant starch in the final product. Organic potato starch, on the other hand, is minimally processed and retains more of its natural resistant starch.
Organic Potato Starch has Better Texture and Flavor
A final reason to choose organic potato starch over regular potato starch is that it has better texture and flavor. Organic potato starch has larger granules than regular potato starch, which means it can absorb more water and create a smoother and creamier texture when used as a thickener. Organic potato starch also has a more neutral flavor than regular potato starch, which can have a slightly sour or metallic taste due to the chemicals or additives used in its production.
Organic potato starch can be used in a variety of recipes, such as:
- soups
- sauces
- gravies
- puddings
- pies
- cakes
- breads
- cookies
Organic potato starch can also withstand higher temperatures for short periods, while regular potato starch can clump together at very high temperatures.
| Recipe | Amount of Organic Potato Starch | Amount of Regular Potato Starch |
|---|---|---|
| Soup | 1 tablespoon per 4 cups | 2 tablespoons per 4 cups |
| Sauce | 1 tablespoon per cup | 2 tablespoons per cup |
| Gravy | 2 tablespoons per cup | 3 tablespoons per cup |
| Pudding | 2 tablespoons per cup | 3 tablespoons per cup |
| Pie | 3 tablespoons per cup | 4 tablespoons per cup |
| Cake | 1/4 cup per cup of flour | 1/3 cup per cup of flour |
| Bread | 1/4 cup per loaf | 1/3 cup per loaf |
| Cookie | 2 tablespoons per batch | 3 tablespoons per batch |
Conclusion
Organic potato starch is a versatile product that offers many advantages over regular potato starch. It is free of pesticides and GMOs, has higher resistant starch content, and has better texture and flavor. It can be used as a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour in baking and cooking, as well as a thickener for various dishes. If you want to enjoy the benefits of organic potato starch, look for products that are certified organic by reputable agencies, such as USDA or EU.