Inulin

Inulin, a substance of the group known as Carbohydrates (q.v.), which in many respects closely resembles starch. It occurs in the roots of the dahlia and other plants, and forms a white powder insoluble in cold, forming a mucilage with hot water. By boiling with dilute acids it is completely converted into fruit-sugar or levulose.

It is distinguished from starch by giving a brown instead of a blue coloration with an iodine solution.