New sago palm starch resources and starch pith waste properties

Abstract

Generally, Metroxylon sagu Rottb. contains about 400 kg of dried starch in the pith of each tree. The starch stored in the pith exceeds 300 kg according to Ehara et al. (Environmental factors limiting sago production and genetic variation in Metroxylon sagu Rottb. In: Karafir YP, Jong FS, Fere VF (eds) Sago palm development and utilization: proceedings of the 8th international sago symposium. Universitas Negri Papua Press, Manokwari, pp 93-103, 2005). However, only 50% of starch from the deposits can be extracted using current methods, and one-half remains behind in the residue. In this chapter, the characteristics of sago pith residue and features of these unused resources are described. Specific utilization of starch residue by establishing a conversion method as a sweetener is proposed. The food security of sugar from sugarcane may be helped by a sweetener made from sago starch. The genus Metroxylon has two sections. One is Metroxylon and the other one is Coelococcus. Section Coelococcus is a relict crop. The starch content and physicochemical properties of section Coelococcus are presented. It is anticipated that section Coelococcus will be available as a future source of biomass.