Starch gelatinization

Undamaged starch granules are insoluble in cold water but can imbibe water  reversibly i.e. they can swell slightly and then return to their original size on drying, when starch is heated with excess of water, the molecular order of the granule is gradually and irreversibly destroyed at the gelatinisation temperature, which is approximately in the  range of 60-70°C for most of the starches. Amylose is preferentially leached out of the network and gets solubilized, however, some leaching of amylose can also occur prior to gelatinization. When further heated, starch granules are disrupted and partial solubilization is achieved. Total gelatinization usually occurs over a temperature range with larger granules generally gelatinizing first. At temperatures below 100° C, true molecular solution is not achieved and the swollen hydrated granules consisting of mainly amylopectin remain.  Continued heating of starch granules in excess water results in further granule swelling, additional leaching of soluble components (primarily amylose) and eventually, total disruption of granules especially with the application of shear forces,. This phenomenon results in the formation of a starch paste. The melting temperature of the crystallites is 190°C. Gelatinization is an endothermic process (10 mJ/mg), i.e. a chemical reaction accompanied by the absorption of heat.