AbstractThe DSC and X‐ray diffraction data showed that the starch crystallinity increased in Arabic bread (khaboos) samples during the storage period. The appearance of crystalline regions during ageing as shown by X‐ray diffraction data could serve as an indication of the extent of staling that was observed in these khaboos samples. The information obtained from scanning electron microscopy could not be used for assessing the extent of staling of Arabic bread, but showed interesting differences in the gelatinization behaviour of starch granules in the crumb and crust areas. The crust areas, when viewed under the scanning electron microscope, show intact small as well as large starch granules. The limited amount of water available in the crust area of khaboos may be responsible for the incomplete gelatinization of starch granules.