Effect of light,acidified processing and storage on carbohydrates and other nutrients in mung bean sprouts

Fresh 4-day-old etiolated mung bean seedlings were analysed for proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, and vitamins A and C. Exposure of the sprouts to artificial light for 24 h increased the content of most constituents, especially provitamin A. Changes in the composition of the seedlings after preservation and storage for 6 months were followed. The sprouts were either canned or bottled, and then kept at various storage temperatures, regardless of storage conditions, hydrolysis of complex carbohydrates took place. There is some evidence that the reducing sugars released during storage underwent a Maillard reaction, leading to browning of the sprouts.