Zooming into root and tuber-based composites

Roots and tubers are regarded as the most important food crops, after cereals. Roots and tubers are used by approximately 2.2 billion farmers in developing countries for food security and income. Roots and tubers play an important role in sustainable development, income generation, and food security, particularly in tropical regions. Cassava, potato, sweet potato, arrowroot, and yam are the most important roots and tubers in terms of annual production worldwide. Cassava, sweet potato, and potato are 3 of the top 10 food crops grown in developing nations. As a result, tropical roots, and tubers play an important role in the global food system, particularly in developing countries. In this chapter, an overview of plant tubers and roots, some very recent and exciting developments, and focus on a particularly utilized composite have been included. Tuber and root wastes are promising candidates in a wide range of industrial applications, including food packaging, automotive, and pharmaceutical industries.