Testing for Starch in Food

FOOD and NUTRIENTS

The earth provides us with many resources including food and fiber. Much of the food we eat comes from plants. Crops are plants that are grown specifically to be food which include grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein, and fat are nutrients that come from food and our bodies use to function.

Carbohydrates are the most common source of energy for the body. It is mainly provided through plant foods and includes sugars and starches. Starches are chemically bound clusters of sugar molecules found in plants. Your body breaks down starch molecules into sugar.

Testing for Starch

There is a simple test to determine if a food contains the nutrient, starch. Iodine can be used as an indicator of starch in food, because in the presence of starch, iodine makes a chemical reaction to turn the sample to a dark blue or purple black color. If there is no starch present, the iodine remains the original brownish yellow color.

Supplies:

Paper Towel, paper or plastic plate or protective surface

Iodine* (Be careful it can stain skin and clothes)

*Check your first aid kit or the local pharmacy for iodine.

Different kinds of food for testing such as:

Cut potatoes or potato chips or hash browns

Cut fruit like an orange or apple slice

Bread

Crackers

Cheese (I used parmesan because it is light colored)

Corn or popcorn

(You can use whatever you have on hand. Just choose a variety of foods from different food groups)