MINERAL CONTENTS IN SEED COAT AND CANNING QUALITY OF SELECTED CULTIVARS OF DARK RED KIDNEY BEANS (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L.)

Three different dark red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars (cvs. 85, 453 and Nickols) grown in Wisconsin were studied to investigate the correlations of the mineral contents in the seed coat and seed coat splits in the canned beans. In the canned product, highly significant differences ( P ≤0.01) in percentage of split seed coats were observed among the three cultivars studied. Canned cultivar 85 significantly showed fewer seed coat splits than the other two cultivars. Significant negative correlations were observed between the percentage of seed coat splits and sodium (r = ? 0.89, P ≤ 0.01), calcium ( r = ? 0.74, P ≤ 0.01) and iron (r = ? 0.79, P ≤ 0.05) contents in the seed coat. This study suggested that the mineral content of the seed coat of kidney beans may play important roles in the integrity of the seed coat during thermal processing.     

Processing parameter optimization for obtaining dry beans with reduced cooking time

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of processing beans by soaking and blanching in salt solutions on the quality parameters of the common bean and, in order to obtain a dry product with a reduced cooking time using experimental design techniques. A Plackett and Burman design was used to evaluate the effects of nine factors, soaking, blanching and drying under different conditions, in bean processing. A central composite rotational 2³ design was used with the factors of soaking time, concentration of NaHCO₃ and drying temperature. An increase in the concentration of NaHCO₃ from 0 to 4 g.100⁻¹ mL reduced the cooking time by 10 min. However, increasing the NaHCO₃ concentration increased the level of damage to the product and darkened the bean seed coat, producing greater color differences in the processed bean. The selected conditions for the production of dry quick cooking beans was a time of 13.1 h, a concentration of NaHCO₃ in the soaking solution of 2.3 g.100 mL⁻¹ and a drying temperature of 50 °C. Under the select conditions, it was possible to reduce the cooking time by 53%, with of 5.36 g.100 g⁻¹ of damaged grains and color difference of 8.39.     

Chemical basis for the low sensory perception of the Ganxet bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seed coat

The Ganxet bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L), highly appreciated in Catalan gastronomy, has a higher proportion of seed coat than other beans (eg White Kidney or Faba Asturiana); however, general diners and sensory tests point out a lower perception of this seed coat. The differences in chemical composition between Ganxet, White Kidney and Faba Asturiana beans, before and after cooking, were established and related to perceived sensory differences in seed coat content. Ganxet's higher absolute and percentage losses of total dietary fibre (19.5%), soluble dietary fibre (32.5%), cellulose (25.6%) and pectins (38.1%) break down the consistency of the seed coat during cooking, which would explain its low sensory perception. The high loss of cellulose during cooking could be due to its partial combination with proteins, which would aid its breakdown. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Volatile Flavor Profile of Saskatchewan Grown Pulses as Affected by Different Thermal Processing Treatments

The objective of this study was to identify and quantify the volatile flavor composition of selected Saskatchewan grown pulses including navy beans, red kidney beans, green lentils, and yellow peas, and to determine the flavor changes induced by thermal processing. Flavor profile of roasted flours, ground roasted seeds, pre-cooked seeds, pre-cooked slurries, pre-cooked–freeze-dried, and pre-cooked–spray-dried flours was studied using headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The highest total area count (p < 0.05) was found in navy bean and the lowest in red kidney bean. 3-Hexanol was the most abundant volatile flavor compound. Pre-cooking significantly reduced (p < 0.05) volatile compounds total area count by 61.75%, except for the red kidney bean and yellow pea, whereas roasting significantly increased (p < 0.05) total area count for navy bean and red kidney bean. Major differences observed in relative peak area for the same chemical family showed that volatile flavor compounds of pulses were significantly affected by type and processing conditions. Basic knowledge of the volatile profiles of pulses and the flavor changes occurred following different types of thermal processing, could ensure better quality control of raw materials and help product developers meet flavor-delivery challenges. The relevant information may also be of interest to relevant industries targeting specific pulse-based food product development.     

Relationship Between Cookability and Some Chemical and Physical Properties of Faba Beans (Vicia faba L.)

Cookability index (determined by penetrometer) and some physical properties were determined for 20 samples of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) grown in Canada and Egypt. Proximate composition was determined for eight samples. Starch of four bean samples, representing extremes in cookability, was examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and amylography. Statistical analyses showed highly significant correlations between cookability index and hydration coefficient and percentage seed coat for the Egyptian samples (high seed coat content). For the Canadian samples (low seed coat content), highly significant correlations were obtained between cookability index and thousand seed weight, peak amylograph viscosity and falling number values of cotyledon flour. Differences between soft and hard cooking samples were observed by DSC and amylography of the starch. The study showed that the hard to cook phenomenon in faba beans is controlled by characteristics of both seed coat and cotyledons and is not a “hard shell” problem only.     

Effects of hardshell character on cooking time of common beans grown in the semiarid highlands of Mexico

The present study was undertaken to develop a protocol to screen bean germplasm for the hardshell character, evaluate the effect of hardshell on cooking time and study the relationship between hardshell and other seed characteristics in bean genotypes grown in the semiarid highlands of Mexico. Between 50 and 75% of the variation in cooking time of recently harvested beans was explained by differences in the degree of water absorption after soaking for 18 h. Seed coat brightness was negatively correlated with water absorption and increased cooking time in two of the three populations evaluated. The difference in cooking time and water absorption between scarified (hilum perforated) and unscarified seed of different genotypes would indicate that the hardshell characteristic plays a major role in extending the cooking time of beans. This study indicates that when seeds have an initial moisture content of 90 g kg^?1 seed or less, the hardshell problem is easily detected after soaking for 18 h, while the problem is rarely detected when initial seed moisture levels are 120 g kg^?1 or higher. Selection against the hardshell characteristic could be practised in bean germplasm using this information as part of a protocol to shorten the cooking time of beans grown in the Mexican highlands.     

The nutrition evaluation of kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). The effect of nutritional value of seed germination and changes in trypsin inhibitor content

The total N content of kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) was found to increase on germination. The overall amino acid composition however changed very little. Rats fed on a diet containing raw beans lost more weight than the protein-free controls (negative n.p.u. value). Germination was found to bring about a gradual improvement in nutritive value probably through the elimination of some of the toxic constituents of the seed. The near doubling of the amount of trypsin inhibitors by the 8th day of germination taken together with the substantial improvement in the nutritive value of the bean appeared to rule out trypsin inhibitors as the main toxic components of raw beans.     

SEED COAT EFFECTS IN COOKED RECONSTITUTED BEAN TEXTURE

The contribution of seed coat to cooked reconstituted bean texture was assessed by measuring sensory and instrumental parameters of beans with and without coats and also seed coats alone. Experiments using white beans stored for one year under tropical conditions to induce the hard-to-cook (HTC) defect or temperate conditions both resulted in reductions in the order of 50% in puncture force and sensory properties of beans when the seed coat had been removed. HTC bean texture was influenced less by absence of the seed coat than texture of soft beans. Seed coats softened during cooking but those from HTC beans softened less than those from soft beans. It is possible that seed coats harden during tropical storage by a lignification-type mechanism. Beans with harder seed coats absorbed less water during soaking which may contribute further to bean hardness.     

'Fagiolo a Formella', an Italian lima bean ecotype: biochemical and nutritional characterisation of dry and processed seeds

BACKGROUND: An ecotype of the lima bean, named ‘fagiolo a Formella’, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the only example of an Italian lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) ecotype, is cultivated in the Campania region of southern Italy. Physical, nutritional and processing traits of dry seeds were evaluated for two consecutive growing seasons (2009 and 2010). The canning quality was also investigated, but only for the harvest of 2010. RESULTS: Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of total seed proteins allowed the attribution of ‘fagiolo a Formella’ to the Mesoamerican gene pool and Sieva morphotype. Seeds have a trapezoid shape, white coat and 100‐seed weight greater than 42 g. Yield, protein, trypsin inhibitor and phytic acid values were found comparable with those reported for lima bean varieties cultivated in sub‐tropical areas. Moreover, we found that this ecotype is devoid of lectin. CONCLUSIONS: The good adaptation to growing environment is indicated by the fact that ‘fagiolo a Formella’ seed quality is comparable to that of lima beans grown in America. Overall the canning quality was found satisfactory and canning significantly destroys the main anti‐nutritional compounds present in dry seeds. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Accumulation of Calcium in Bean Cultivars Differing in Seed Size

Accumulation of Ca, Mg and K, the principal cations in dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) seed, was studied under field and greenhouse conditions. ‘Cran-09’, a cranberry bean and ‘Norstar’, a navy bean, were grown to maturity under greenhouse conditions. ‘Cran-09’ had a seed weight of 605 mg, a seed Ca concentration of 1·2 g kg^-1 and a Ca harvest index of 0·032. The corresponding three parameters in ‘Norstar’ were a seed weight of 161 mg, a seed Ca concentration of 2·2 g kg^-1 and a Ca harvest index of 0·064. The difference in seed Ca concentration was not due to increased absorption of Ca by ‘Norstar’, but rather was due to a larger proportion of Ca in plant tops being diverted to the seed component. The larger seed Ca concentration in ‘Norstar’ was compensated to some extent by a smaller seed K concentration. In contrast to Ca, cultivar had relatively little effect on harvest indices for Mg, K, N and P. The average seed Ca concentration in six navy bean cultivars grown under field conditions was 90% more than that of three kidney and three cranberry bean cultivars. © 1997 SCI.     

α-Amylase inhibitor levels in seeds generally available in Europe

The α-amylase inhibitor (αAI) levels in 18 seeds, which are generally available throughout Europe, have been determined. Kidney beans, haricot beans, pinto beans and runner beans had high contents of αAI (2–4 g equivalent kg^?1 seed meal). Butter beans, blackeyed peas, chickpeas, field beans and sweet lupinseeds contained 0.1–0.2 g inhibitor equivalent kg^?1 seed meal. No αAI activity was detected in samples of adzuki bean, lentils, mung beans, peas, soya beans, sunflower seeds or winged beans. The αAI activity present in whole kidney beans was relatively heat-resistant. However, it could be completely abolished by aqueous heat treatment of fully imbibed beans at 100°C for 5–10 min.     

Image processing technique to estimate geometric parameters and volume of selected dry beans

The geometric parameters along with related physical properties of agricultural material are vital to characterize and describe its quality. The application of image processing technique for this purpose can certainly reduce the human drudgery while ensuring quality of produce. The experiments were conducted to classify the shape and then workout the volume of the selected beans using the image processing technique. Green pea, garbanzo, kidney bean, navy bean and pinto bean were procured from the local grocery store for this study. A digital camera was used to capture the images of the ten different beans of each type. The beans were placed in two different orientations (longitudinal and lateral) and image processing technique was used to quantify and process the digital images. The results of image analysis were compared with the data obtained with actual measurements using digital vernier caliper. The related observations like thousand grain weight, bulk density, true density, porosity and weight of selected single grain were also recorded. A linear relationship was seen between the axial dimensions of beans and the pixel value with R ² in the range of 0.64–0.96. The bulk density and true density of the beans were observed to be in the range of 0.71–0.80 and 1.21–1.29 g/cc respectively. The sphericity of the beans varied in the range of 0.55–0.89. Analyses of the acquired images indicate convex geometry for the beans with ellipsoid shape while the same observation was recorded by physical measurements also. A linear relationship was observed between the volumes estimated by image analysis and true volumes of the beans with R ² in the range of 0.80–0.96. The circularity and compactness of the beans lied in the range of 0.69–0.90 and 0.56–0.71.     

The effect of pod and seed positions on the physical and cooking properties of faba beans (Vicia faba)

The effect of pod location on plant (lower, middle and upper regions) and seed position inside the pods (nodular, middle and terminal) on certain characteristics of dry and stewed faba beans were studied. The weight, volume, relative density, seed coat (%), hydration and swelling coefficients were determined for dry seeds. Hydration and swelling coefficients, fractured beans (%), penetrometer readings and scores of colour, granulation and softness (by taste panel) were evaluated for stewed beans. The weight, volume, relative density, pH, and total and soluble solids content of the stewed liquor were also measured. Analysis of variance showed that the weight and volume of 1000 dry seeds were significantly (P<0.001) affected by pod location and seed position. Higher values were obtained for lower pods and terminal and middle seeds. Seeds from upper pods had the highest percentage of seed coat. Pod location showed a significant effect on the weight, volume, pH, soluble and insoluble solids of stewed liquor. No significant effect was found for pod location or seed positions on the characteristics of stewed beans, except the hydration coefficient which was significantly affected by pod location.     

Identification,biochemical characterization and biological role of defense proteins from common bean genotypes seeds in response to Callosobruchus maculatus infestation

Common bean is a legume of significant socioeconomic importance and is cultivated worldwide. This crop is affected by several pests and diseases, which cause considerable economic losses and reduce yield. In recent years, several studies have demonstrated the role of proteins and peptides with activity against a wide range of insects and pathogens. The objective of this work was to identify defense proteins, such as antimicrobial peptides, protease and amylases inhibitors in common bean genotypes and evaluate the relationship of these proteins with Phaseolus vulgaris seed resistance to Callosobruchus maculatus infestation. Nineteen common bean genotypes were subjected to protein extraction, pH 5.4, and precipitation with ammonium sulfate at 70% saturation. The obtained extracts were separated by tricine gel electrophoresis. Experiments were carried out with natural seeds of common beans and artificial seeds (Vigna unguiculata seeds covered with seed coats of common beans) to evaluate the rate of oviposition and development of the insect species Callosobruchus maculatus. Lipid-transfer proteins were identified in nine genotypes whereas defensins were present in all genotypes. The inhibitory activity of α-amylases and trypsin and fungal development were determined in crude extracts (50 μg mL⁻¹). The results also indicated that the extracts from all bean genotypes inhibited the activity of human salivary α-amylase and C. maculatus larval α-amylase. Except for the extracts of four genotypes, all other extracts inhibited trypsin activity. None of the extracts from the evaluated bean genotypes inhibited the growth of tested fungi. Natural seeds from all genotypes did not inhibit insect oviposition, however, the larvae did not survive after feeding on these seeds. Artificial seeds containing seed coat flour of all genotypes inhibited the oviposition of C. maculatus, indicating that the seed coat was also repellent to insect.     

20种中国蚕豆的烹煮加工适用性分析

为探索我国蚕豆烹煮加工的适用性,在前期选取了来自全国各主产区的20种蚕豆作为分析对象,对其化学组分、物理特性进行了测定和分析,在此基础上,继续对其烹煮品质进行评价,结果发现通鲜l号等5个品种的烹煮品质最佳.将蚕豆的理化性质与烹煮品质三者之间进行相关性分析,结果表明,蚕豆的灰分含量与蚕豆的物理性质、烹煮品质相关性最高,说明蚕豆的烹煮加工品质特性受地域土壤环境影响很大.影响烹煮品质的其他指标依次是子叶淀粉、皮重比例、皮粗纤维、子叶直链淀粉、子叶蛋白,而物理指标中的百粒体积可作为预测蚕豆烹煮品质的重要指标.     

Saponin content of food plants and some prepared foods

Quantitative thin layer chromatography was used to estimate the saponin content of 20 common food plants and also of foods prepared from some of them. The food plants found to be richest in saponins were chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), soya beans (Glycine max), lucerne (alfalfa) sprouts (Medicago sativa) and varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris (navy beans, haricot beans, kidney beans). Saponins were not destroyed by processing or cooking. They were present in falafels (prepared from chickpeas), canned baked beans, canned broad beans and protein isolate from faba beans. However, the saponin content of a fermented soya bean product (tempe) was only half that of whole soya beans. Guar meal (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus) contains saponins but only a trace could be detected in samples of guar gum.     

Electron spin resonance studies on γ-irradiated coffee bean parts

Summary Using electron spin resonance (ESR) free radicals, present naturally or formed after γ‐irradiation of parts of coffee bean, were examined by entrapping the sample in potassium chloride powder in ESR quartz tubes. The ESR signal at g=2.002 was more prominent in the spermoderm than in the whole seed portion of the coffee beans. The γ‐irradiation of coffee beans with doses of 5 or 10 kGy, normally used for decontamination, resulted in a dose‐dependent increase of a signal at g=2.002 which was accompanied by a weak triplet (a_H c. 3.0 mT), and which was also more prominent in the spermoderm. While short‐term storage (24 h at 25 ± 0.5 °C) of irradiated beans resulted in a substantial loss of signal at g=2.002, annealing at 50 ± 0.5 °C for 16 h increased this signal intensity in greater proportion than caused by irradiation alone, suggesting that generation of free radicals in the two varieties of coffee beans is not unique to the irradiation processing alone.     

Accumulation and quality of storage protein in developing cowpea,mung bean and soya bean seeds

This study was carried out to compare the time course of laying down seed storage protein in three legumes viz: cowpea (Vigna unquiculata), mung bean (Phaseolus aureus) and soya bean (Glycine max) planted in two replications. Pods were harvested periodically during seed maturation and studied for changes in fresh and dry weights, total sulphur, total nitrogen and protein content. At early stages of development crude protein formed about one-third of dry weight in the legumes but decreased to about one-quarter at maturity. The total sulphur which formed a substantial amount of the sulphur amino-acids in mature seeds did not change much in mung bean and cowpea but increased by about 24% from 20 to 69 days after flowering (DAF) in soya bean. Storage protein accumulation was very rapid between 10 and 14 DAF (10.4% day^?1) in mung bean, 7 and 14 DAF (12.9% day^?1) in cowpea and between 20 and 30 DAF (9.4 day^?1) in soya bean. Thereafter, protein accumulation declined slightly and gradually approached zero at time of seed maturity. The sulphur-to-nitrogen ratios gradually increased with maximum values in the mature seeds. Although seed protein content and quality (on S/N ratio basis) were highest in soya bean, accumulation of storage protein seemed to be faster in cowpea than mung bean and soya bean during seed maturation.     

Texture of frozen vegetables: Effect of freezing rate on green beans

The texture of green beans after blanching, freezing and cooking was measured with a shear press. Each processing step reduced shear resistance about the same amount. Visible damage to the vegetable tissues was caused by freezing, but not by blanching or cooking. Very rapid freezing by immersion in liquid nitrogen prevented damage and reduced the texture degradation. When the freezing rate was slightly slower than that required for perfect preservation, immature cells of the inner parenchyma were the first to be damaged. Further reduction of the freezing rate caused breakage of other cell walls in this tissue, and separation of walls in the outer part of the pod. When the freezing rate was changed during freezing, the part of the bean that froze rapidly was not damaged, whereas that which froze slowly was damaged. Decreasing the freezing rate during freezing did not damage the portion of the bean already frozen. Sensory appraisal panels were able to distinguish texture differences in beans frozen at various rates when there were visible differences in the amounts of cell wall damage.     

The nutritional and antinutritional attributes of sword bean [Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC.]: an under-utilized tribal pulse from south India

Six accessions [three with maroon‐coloured seed coat and three with white‐coloured seed coat) of sword bean (Canavalia gladiata (Jacq.) DC.], were collected from six different locations in south India. They were analysed for their proximate and mineral composition, amino acid profiles of total seed proteins, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) and certain antinutritional factors. The essential amino acid profile of total seed proteins compared favourably with FAO/WHO requirements, except that there were deficiencies of sulphur containing amino acids in all the six accessions and also the leucine, lysine and tryptophan contents were low in maroon‐coloured seed coat accessions. The IVPD of the accessions ranged from 63.39 to 76.92%. Antinutritional substances like total free phenolics, tannins, l ‐DOPA (3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine), trypsin inhibitor activity and phytohaemagglutinating activity were also investigated. The antinutritional factors that were detected were thought to have little nutritional significance if the beans are properly processed.