Raíces Reservantes, Tubérculos Andinos y Almidones.

Saire Roenfi Guerra Lima; Nury Mayta-Barrios; Edward Torres-Cruz; Franklyn Elard Zapana Yucra · (2026) · DOI: 10.61210/fondoeditorialb2-26

Resumen

Andean storage roots and tubers constitute strategic plant genetic resources that have sustained food security in the Andean region for more than 8000 years. This book presents a comprehensive and updated review of the biological, technological, and sustainability foundations associated with these crops and their derivatives, with special emphasis on native starches. The work analyzes the morphophysiology of storage roots, highlighting carbohydrate accumulation mechanisms, anatomical adaptations to abiotic stress characteristic of the altiplano, and tuberization processes regulated by environmental and genetic factors. The biodiversity of the genus Solanum is examined, organizing wild and cultivated species according to their ploidy levels (diploid, triploid, tetraploid, and pentaploid), and discussing the evolutionary and agronomic implications of this genetic variability. The text delves into the physicochemical characterization of starches extracted from potato, oca, mashua, ulluco, maca, and arracacha, analyzing properties such as granule size and morphology, amylose/ amylopectin content, gelatinization temperatures, and rheological behavior. Optimized extraction methodologies are presented, and factors affecting industrial yield are discussed. Technological processes applicable to these crops, including dehydration, fermentation, extrusion, and chemical modification of starches, are addressed from a value-addition and functional product development perspective. The presence of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, anthocyanins, glucosinolates, fructooligosaccharides) confers significant nutraceutical value to these tubers and roots, with potential application Abstract 12 in functional foods and natural pharmaceuticals. Finally, sustainability strategies in the Andean agroindustrial chain are analyzed, considering aspects of water footprint, carbon footprint, circular economy, and certification systems that guarantee the conservation of agrobiodiversity and the welfare of producer communities. This book constitutes a relevant academic contribution for students and researchers in agroindustrial engineering, food science, applied botany, and sustainable rural development.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional del Altiplano