Characterization of Starch from Jinicuil (Inga jinicuil) Seeds and Its Evaluation as Wall Material in Spray Drying

Jinicuil seed starch (JSS) was partially characterized and then evaluated as wall material. JSS showed higher content of proteins, lipids, and resistant starch than commercial corn starch (CCS). JSS granules presented both oval-spherical shapes and heterogeneous sizes (~1–40 µm) and exhibited a crystallinity lower than CCS with an A-type X-ray diffraction pattern. Both gelatinization peak and final viscosity values in the pasting profile were higher in JSS than in CCS. At 90 °C, the water solubility was 22% and the swelling power was 17 g g−1. Under refrigeration and freeze-thaw, the JSS gel showed high stability. JSS showed a significant presence of protein and small particles; therefore, it was evaluated as wall material in spray drying. The results showed the formation of spherical aggregates and encapsulation efficiencies of L-ascorbic acid of 14.97–81.84%, with process yields of 19.96–27.64%, under the conditions evaluated. JSS has a potential application in the food industry but also as wall material for microencapsulation by spray drying.