PROCESS FOR MODIFYING STARCHES

摘要

The present invention discloses a process for modifying starches comprising subjecting a non-pregelatinised starch and/or flour to a superheated steam treatment, wherein said superheated steam treatment is carried out in a reaction chamber of a reactor, said reaction chamber having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and wherein the temperature of the superheated steam at the inlet of the reaction chamber is in the range of 150 to 650°C, preferably 250 to 550°C, more preferably 350 to 450°C, and wherein the temperature of the superheated steam at the outlet of the reaction chamber is in the range of 105 to 155°C, preferably 115 to 140°C, more preferably 115 to 125°C. The invention further refers to the starches obtained and baby foods, infant foods, sauces, soups, puddings, dressings, bakery creams, gravies and beverages comprising said starches. Also disclosed is a spray dryer for treating a heat-sensitive material with superheated steam comprising a reaction chamber having at least one inlet for the introduction into the chamber of a stream of superheated steam, at least one outlet for allowing the contents of the chamber to exit and a nozzle for producing a spray of droplets into the path of the stream of superheated steam, said spray of droplets being formed from a liquid containing the heat-sensitive material, wherein the reaction chamber is adapted such that, in use, the stream of superheated steam entering the reaction chamber becomes homogeneously distributed in the chamber and flows in a direction substantially parallel with the internal wall of the reaction chamber.