Highland barley starch (Qingke): Structures, properties, modifications, and applications

Highland barley (HB) is mainly composed of starch, which may account for up to 65% of the dry weight to the kernel. HB possesses unique physical and chemical properties and has good industrial application potential. It has also been identified as a minor grain crop with excellent nutritional and health functions. Highland barley starch (HBS) features a number of structural and functional properties that render it a useful material for numerous food and non-food applications. This review summarizes the current status of research on the extraction processes, chemical composition, molecular fine structures, granular morphology, physicochemical properties, digestibility, chemical and physical modifications, and potential uses of HBS. The findings provide a comprehensive reference for further research on HBS and its applications in various food and non-food industries.