In this paper, the properties of Fenghua taro starch were examined. The starch was extracted by ammonia, and its composition, morphology, pasting temperature, thermal stability, and the molecular structure of its granules were investigated. An iodometric analysis showed that the amylose and amylopectin contents in taro starch were 10.23% and 89.77%, respectively. The amylose content was lower in Fenghua taro than in other starches. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that Fenghua taro starch granules had an irregular shape and angular morphology with a smooth surface. The laser particle size distribution analyzer showed that the average particle size of Fenghua taro starch was only 4.113 μm; this was relatively small compared with other starch particles. X-ray diffraction indicated that Fenghua taro starch had an A-type starch-crystal form. An infrared spectroscopy analysis indicated that Fenghua taro had primary and secondary alcoholic hydroxyl groups in an α-D-pyran ring. The gelatinization temperature of taro starch was 80~85 ℃, and it demonstrated a high thermal stability.
