M1 and M2 represent the granule melting transitions. After M1 the birefringence has largely disappeared (not shown), but the sample still has a powder-like appearance. Fig. 2 suggests that melting has started in the interior of the granule but is not yet complete after M1. Similar results have been obtained by static heat-moisture treatment of potato starch (20–26% water, 100–130 C, 24 h). However, a significant birefringence remained after this treatment (Vermeylen, Goderis, & Delcour, 2006b). Heating through the M2 transition, i.e., to 178 C, is sufficient for complete granule melting, but granule individuality is still preserved at that temperature.