Valorization of yacon roots: Obtaining a syrup rich in fructo-oligosaccharides
Yacón (Smallanthus sonchifolius P&E) is a tuberous root of Andean origin that has a high content of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), the best-known prebiotics. It is underutilized both in Bolivia and in the rest of the producing countries and this situation could be changed through its industrialization. For this reason, yacon root was studied in the laboratory to obtain a concentrated syrup, rich in FOS. Critical variables and optimal process conditions were determined, achieving a yield of 95% of the FOS.
From these results, a plant for the annual production of 1 000 MT of syrup with 45% of FOS was designed per year. The final product would be destined mainly to an industrial market, with a price of US $ 2.7 / kg of syrup. An IRR of 42% was calculated for the plant.
Responsible:
Luis Arteaga Weill, MSc.
E-mail: larteaga@upb.edu
Researchers:
Diana Lizeth López Torrez, Est.
Luis Arteaga Weill, MSc.
References about the project: rescalera@upb.edu
