Root and Tuber Crops: An Underexploited Source of Pectin and Future Prospects

Abstract

Starchy root and tuber crops are important global sources of carbohydrates with potentials to lift millions of people out of poverty across developing countries. The billion dollar pectin market which relies heavily on pectin isolated from fruits provides ample opportunities for non-conventional sources from the root and tuber food group. Pectins are abundant in higher plants and poses varying properties that can be used across industries including the food, the health and pharmaceutical sector, and in packaging regimes. We review current research into the isolation, modification, characterization and application of pectin sourced from root and tubers and explore the implications for an under-explored market in Africa. Despite the limited research conducted on root and tuber pectin, Citric acid used in the solvent method has shown to be a promising method of extraction, producing high pectin yields with industrial and pharmaceutical properties.