Chemistry and technology of green gram (Vigna radiata [L.] Wilczek)

Green gram or mung bean (Vigna radiata [L.] Wilczek) is an important food legume grown under tropical and subtropical conditions. It is an excellent source of protein and is almost free from flatulence-causing factors. Because of this, green gram seeds are preferred for feeding babies and those convalescing. The seeds contain a higher proportion of lysine than any other legume seeds. The seeds are processed and consumed as cooked whole beans or splits (dhals), sprouts, immature seeds, and flour and are used in various recipes. The proposed work will incorporate available information on nutritional composition, processing, and utilization of green gram. The results reported in the literature on the above aspects of green gram will be analyzed critically, and future research needs will be defined to improve the utilization of green gram as human food.     

绿豆淀粉/PVA复合膜的制备及性能研究

采用流延法,制备一种含绿豆淀粉与聚乙烯醇(PVA)复合膜,并对其性能进行评价。采用单因素实验研究了绿豆淀粉与PVA比例、交联剂、增塑剂等因素对膜性能的影响,并利用正交实验法对绿豆淀粉与PVA质量比、增塑剂用量和交联剂用量进行的优化。结果表明,以绿豆淀粉∶PVA质量比、甘油和乙二醛的质量分数分别为7∶3(g/g)、20%、8%制备的膜的拉伸强度、断裂伸长率、透光率最佳,分别为(17.3±0.25)MPa、112%±2.15%、28.2%±0.23%。      

Physical and cooking characteristics of black gram (Phaseolus mungoo L.) cultivars grown in India

Pulses are important component of diet, and information on their physical properties is needed for designing machines while cooking quality is important for consumer acceptance. Three black gram cultivars grown in India were evaluated for physical and cooking properties. Proximate composition revealed that three cultivars contained 24.5–26.7% protein, 1.1–1.3% fat, 2.8–3.7% ash and 60.4–63.3% carbohydrates. Length, breadth and thickness of seeds were in the range of 4.66–5.11 mm, 3.71–3.79 mm and 3.20–3.29 mm, respectively. True density and porosity varied from 1.25–1.29 g mL^?1 to 33.43–36.09%, respectively. Hydration and swelling capacities of the seeds varied from 0.036–0.041 g per seed to 0.037–0.042 mL per seed, respectively. Cooking time of unsoaked seeds varied significantly from 35.3 to 42.7 min. Hardness and adhesiveness of the cooked seeds varied from 2.12–2.55 kg to 0.02–0.99 kg s, respectively. The black gram cultivars are rich in protein, and soaking treatment improved their cooking quality.     

Functional properties of 8S globulin fractions from 15 mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) cultivars

The functional properties including solubility, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, foaming properties and emulsifying properties of 8S globulin fractions from 15 mung bean cultivars were investigated in this study. In addition, the effects of pH on solubility, foaming properties and emulsifying properties were studied. The functional properties of the 8S globulin fractions varied significantly among the different mung bean varieties and exhibited better performance in solubility and emulsion stability compared with soya bean 7S protein. A negative correlation was found between water absorption capacity and oil absorption capacity. Remarkable differences in polypeptides constituents were observed in 8S globulin fractions, and the ratio of 11S/8S globulins has a positive effect on water absorption capacity while a negative effect on oil absorption capacity. As a function of pH, the emulsifying activity indexes of the 8S globulin fractions were found to be distinctly dependent on the solubility, while no significant correlation was found between the emulsifying stability and solubility, nor between the foaming properties and solubility. The foaming capacity showed a strong correlation with foam stability.     

Composition and bioactive factor content of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) raw meal and protein concentrate

Analysis was done of the composition and bioactive factor content of whole meal, processed meal and protein concentrate from a cowpea cultivar (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp var. IT86D‐719) grown in Yucatan, Mexico and of changes in these parameters after soaking and dehulling. Both meals had a high protein content (247.53 and 257 g kg^?1 dry matter (DM) respectively). The protein concentrate was rich in protein (786 g kg^?1 DM) and lipids (58.47 g kg^?1 DM) and had an amino acid profile similar to that of the processed meal. The amino acid profiles of the meals almost covered human dietary requirements based on FAO/WHO/UNU‐suggested profiles but were deficient in sulphur amino acids. Trypsin inhibitor activity was high in both meals compared with levels found in previous studies. Trypsin inhibitor activity in the concentrate was not eliminated but was significantly reduced. Lectin activity, tannin levels, phytate levels and α‐amylase inhibitor activity were relatively low in the meals, and cyanogenic glucosides were not detected. Residual amounts of α‐amylase inhibitors, tannins and phytate were observed in the concentrate, and lectin activity was not detected. Results indicate that V. unguiculata L. Walp var. IT86D‐719 meals and protein concentrate are good potential foodstuffs in the Yucatan region. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Proximate composition,amino acid content and haemagglutinating and trypsin‐inhibiting activities of some Brazilian Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp cultivars

Seeds of Brazilian Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp cultivars (EPACE 10, EPACE 11, Pitiuba, TVu 1888, IPA 206 and Olho de Ovelha) were analysed to establish their proximate composition, amino acid content and presence of antinutritional and/or toxic factors. The seed protein, carbohydrate and oil contents ranged from 195 to 261 g kg⁻¹ dry matter, from 678 to 761 g kg⁻¹ dry matter and from 12 to 36 g kg⁻¹ dry matter respectively. EPACE 10, EPACE 11, Pitiuba, TVu 1888, IPA 206 and Olho de Ovelha cultivars are rich in glutamin/glutamic acid, asparagin/aspartic acid and phenylalanine + tyrosine. The essential amino acid profile compared with the FAO/WHO/UNU scoring pattern requirements for different age groups showed that these seeds have methionine + cysteine as the first limiting amino acid for 2–5‐year‐old children. However, only Pitiuba, IPA 206 and Olho de Ovelha are deficient in methionine + cysteine for 10–12‐year‐old children. The contents of threonine, valine, isoleucine, leucine and methionine + cysteine of all cultivars were lower than those of hen egg. Haemagglutinating activity measured against rabbit erythrocytes was found to be present in the six cultivars, but only after the red cells were treated with proteolytic enzymes. All cultivars displayed protease inhibitor activity which varied from about 12.0 to 30.6 g trypsin inhibited per kg flour. Urease and toxic activities were not detected in any of the studied cultivars. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

The effect of rice flour on pasting and particle size distribution of green gram (Phaseolus radiata, L. Wilczek) dried batter

The effect on the pasting characteristics of green gram flour of the addition of rice flour was studied. The gelatinization temperature decreased from 75 °C for the control to 72 °C for samples containing different levels of rice flours. Average particle size of dried batter mix increased with the addition of varying percentages of rice (10, 15, 20 and 25%) from a control value of 236 μm to a maximum 310 μm. The addition of rice flour to green gram increased the water absorption in line with the amount of rice flour added. When rice flour was added, the protein content of the mixed sample of green gram batter and rice flour was reduced accordingly and the fat absorption in the samples also decreased. The foaming capacity of native ground flour, measured after 0.5 min, was double (130 mL) that of dried green gram batter (60 mL) which had been prepared by soaking, wet grinding and drying.     

Physicochemical and functional properties of ten cultivars of seem (Lablab purpureus L.), an underexploited bean in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND: Increasing global protein consumption has led to the demand for new sources of food protein, particularly plant sources. Many inexpensive but protein‐rich bean cultivars have not been well evaluated and are thus underutilised. In this study the physicochemical and functional properties of seeds of ten seem cultivars were assessed. RESULTS: In agreement with their sizes, seeds of Airet had the highest 1000‐seed weight and volume, while those of Bari had the lowest. In terms of proximate composition (g kg^?1), protein content ranged from 240.08 (Ashina) to 292.63 (Puti), fat content from 31.47 (Goalgadda) to 38.40 (Puti), ash content from 32.80 (Puli) to 45.53 (Goalgadda) and fibre content from 21.90 (Tatulia) to 28.90 (Noldog). Hydration (g kg^?1) and swelling (mL L^?1) capacities ranged from 1688.60 and 1850.43 (Goalgadda) to 1999.40 and 2208.66 (Rupbhan) respectively. Similarly, cooking time (min) varied from 114 (Rupbhan) to 179 (Goalgadda). Lowest gelation concentration was in the range 80–100 g kg^?1. Water and fat absorption capacities (g kg^?1) ranged from 941.00 and 644.44 (Ashina) to 1043.33 and 749.26 (Puti) respectively. Foaming capacity and stability (mL L^?1) ranged from 443 (Puli) to 635 (Puti) and from 314 (Ashina) to 643 (Rupbhan) respectively. CONCLUSION: Seeds of seem cultivars appear to be a promising food in terms of their protein content and functionality. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Relationships between various functional,thermal and pasting properties of flours from different Indian black gram (Phaseolus mungo L.) cultivars

Flours from different black gram cultivars were investigated for functional, thermal and pasting properties and related to each other using Pearson correlations and principal component analysis (PCA). Ash, fat, protein content and bulk density of flours ranged between 25.7 and 32.5, 5.2 and 10.2, 220 and 289 g kg^?1 and 519 and 563 kg m^?3, respectively. The water absorption capacity (WAC) and oil absorption capacity (OAC) of flours ranged between 2390 and 3450, and 1130 and 1700 g kg^?1, respectively. Least gelation concentration (LGC) for various black gram flours ranged between 8 and 12%, thereby suggesting their good gelating ability. The results showed that the foams produced by black gram flours were relatively thick with low foaming capacity (36.2–49.2%) and foam stability > 90% after 120 min of storage. The transition temperatures (T_o, T_p and T_c) and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔH_gel) determined using differential scanning calorimeter, ranged between 71.0 and 75.7, 76.1 and 80.4, 81.9 and 86.0 °C, and 3.08 and 3.67 J g^?1, respectively. Pasting temperature, peak‐, breakdown‐, final‐ and setback viscosity were between 68.9 and 81.1 °C, 2988 and 3699, 1200 and 1730, 2839 and 3520, and 1110 and 1474 mPa s, respectively. PCA showed that UG‐218 and UG‐1008 flours were located at the far left of the score plot with a large negative score, while the KU‐3 and UG‐1017 flours had a large positive score in the first principal component (PC1). Overall, these flours differed to the greatest degree in terms of the properties of their flours. Several significant correlations between functional, thermal and pasting properties were revealed both by Pearson correlation and PCA. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemical composition and protein quality of newly released groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L ) cultivars

Five groundnut (Aruchis hypogueu L) cultivars developed by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and two local cultivars as controls were grown in post-rainy and rainy seasons at Patancheru, India. They were analysed for their proximate composition, minerals and trace elements, amino acid composition, true protein digestibility (TD), biological value (BV), net protein utilisation (NPU), and protein efficiency ratio. One-hundred seed mass, protein content and TD were significantly higher in the post-rainy season while starch, sugars, BV and NPU were significantly higher in the rainy season. Post-rainy cultivars exhibited higher concentrations of potassium, calcium, iron and several essential and non-essential amino acids. TD of blanched groundnut was better than that of the whole seeds. The composition and protein quality of ICRISAT cultivars were comparable to those of the controls.     

Comparative studies of some properties of undehulled, mechanically dehulled and manually dehulled cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp. L.) flours

A comparative evaluation was made of some physico‐chemical and rheological characteristics of undehulled, manually dehulled and mechanically dehulled cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp. L.) flours from brown and white varieties of the legume. The flours were used to prepare steamed bean paste, ‘Moinmoin’, which was analysed for some sensory parameters. Dehulling and dehulling methods had no appreciable influence on the physical characteristics and proximate composition of the flours, except ash content, which was slightly higher in undehulled flour samples. Amylograph pasting characteristics of the flours showed varying trends because of dehulling method and/or presence of seed coats. ‘Moinmoin’ samples prepared from the flours received similar ratings for all sensory attributes, with no significant differences (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05), except for the low‐rated (poorer) colour of the undehulled brown product.     

Hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic potential of raw,boiled, and sprouted mung beans (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) in rats

This study was carried out to investigate the hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic potential of raw, boiled, and sprouted mung beans in rats. Oven dried mung bean powders; raw, sprouted, and boiled were included at 30% level in the diet of seven weeks old male Wistar rats maintained for 5 weeks on high (0.5%) cholesterol diet in comparison with control diet. Low serum glucose and triglyceride concentrations (p < .05) in raw and processed mung bean diets fed rats were supported by low serum insulin level in both raw mung bean diet and boiled mung bean diet fed rats. Hypoglycemic effect in sprouted mung bean fed rats was supported by higher α‐amylase inhibitory activity and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of sprouted mung beans. Increase in serum non‐HDL cholesterol concentration and decrease in HDL cholesterol concentration caused by high cholesterol diet were modulated (p < .05) by both boiled and sprouted mung bean diets.

Practical applications

Mung bean is a green legume rich in protein, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic potential of raw mung beans have been shown previously. It is well known that cooking and processing modulate nutritional and biochemical parameters of foods. However, very limited information is available on the effect of processing on functional properties of legumes. Results of this study showed that boiling and sprouting improved the soluble fiber content and hypocholesterolemic potential of mung beans. Thus, the processed mung beans may be more suitable for developing food supplements for patients with hypercholesterolemia.     

Desiccant drying prior to hermetic storage extends viability and reduces bruchid (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) infestation of mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) seeds

Seeds of mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) are subject to loss of viability due to aging and damage from pulse beetles (or bruchids; Callosobruchus spp.) infestation during storage. We investigated whether seed drying using desiccants and hermetic packaging would prevent or ameliorate these consequences of storage. Sun-dried mung bean seeds at a moisture content of 10% were subjected to further drying for 72 h using five different desiccants: Drying Beads® (a zeolite-based desiccant), silica gel, sodium aluminum silicate, activated alumina, and cow-dung ash (a traditional desiccant). Seeds were subsequently stored in hermetic plastic containers in the presence of these desiccants under ambient conditions along with sun-dried seeds stored in cloth bags or in hermetic containers. In addition, parallel samples of each treatment were inoculated with one pair of bruchid beetles (C. chinensis L.) and stored under the same conditions. The seed drying treatments did not affect initial seed quality (germination percentage and seedling vigor) significantly. After storage for 9 months at ambient temperatures, seeds dried using Drying Beads, silica gel, sodium aluminum silicate and activated alumina had higher germination percentages, seedling vigor indices and soil emergence, and lower electrical conductivity (leakage upon imbibition) and fungal infestation compared to other conditions. In addition, the mung bean seeds inoculated with bruchids and stored with these effective desiccants had less damage, oviposition, and insect respiratory activity in the hermetic containers and maintained higher seed germination and seedling vigor after six months of storage compared to other treatments and controls. The results demonstrate the superior ability of desiccants to quickly and safely dry seeds prior to and during storage and the benefits of such drying and hermetic storage conditions for preventing seed deterioration and insect damage during storage.     

Comparative assessment of proximate composition,physicochemical parameters,fatty acid profile and mineral content in farmed and wild rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study was conducted to determine differences between farmed and wild rainbow trout in terms of proximate and fatty acid composition, physicochemical parameters and mineral content. Fat content of farmed fish fillets was higher, while moisture content was lower than wild fish. However, wild fish had higher pH value and water‐holding capacity comparing to farmed fish. The muscle lipids of farmed fish contained higher proportions of 20:0, 18:1n‐9 and 20:1n‐9; and lower proportions of 18:2n‐6, 20:2cis, 18:3n‐3, 20:3n‐6, 20:4n‐6, 20:5n‐3 and 22:6n‐3 fatty acids than wild fish. The percentage of total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) was similar in both fish. Total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), n‐3 PUFAs and n‐3/n‐6 PUFAs ratio were higher in the wild fish comparing to farmed fish, whereas its total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and n‐6 PUFAs contents were lower. Among the seventeen minerals analysed in fish flesh, differences existed between farmed and wild rainbow trout in Ca and Fe contents. Moreover, toxic trace minerals (As, Cd, Pb and Hg) were all present in amounts below their toxic levels. The differences observed between farmed and wild fish may be attributed to the diet constituents and environmental conditions of the fish.     

Characteristics of fruit and oil of terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus L) growing wild in Turkey

Nutrients and physical properties were determined in terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus L) fruits from ?çel, Turkey to investigate their potential uses. Ripe fruits were evaluated for moisture, crude protein, crude oil, crude fibre, crude energy, ash, HCl‐insoluble ash, essential oil yield, dimethyl sulphite, weight and width/length ratio. Relative density, refractive index, free fatty acids, peroxide value, iodine value, saponification number, unsaponifiable matter and carotenoid content were determined in the fruit oil. The main fatty acids identified by gas chromatography were oleic (52.3%), palmitic (21.3%) and linoleic (19.7%) acids. Contents of Na, K, P, Ca, Fe, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn, Li, Ni, Pb, S, Se, Cd, Co, Cr, Sr, Ti, V, Ag, Al, As, B, Ba and Bi were also determined in the fruits. The fruits were found to be rich in protein, oil, fibre, unsaturated fatty acids and minerals, suggesting that they may be valuable for food uses. The data may also be useful for the evaluation of nutritional information. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Amylose content,molecular structure,physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of starches from different mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) cultivars

Physicochemical and in vitro digestibility characteristics of starches isolated from six cultivars of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) were studied. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the cultivars with respect to amylose content (29.9–33.6%), relative crystallinity (29.0 to 31.7%), particle diameter (16.2–17.1 µm) and molecular weight of amylopectin (260–289 × 10⁶ g/mol). The scanning electron micrographs revealed the presence of large oval to small round shape granules with average particle diameter of 16.2–17.1 µm. The X‐ray diffraction pattern was of the C‐type. The enthalpies of gelatinization and retrogradation were 8.9–10.3 and 4.6–6.3 J/g, respectively. The amounts of slowly digesting and resistant starch of mung bean followed the order: PBM‐1 > SML‐32 > ML‐613 > SML‐134 > ML‐267 > ML‐5 and ML‐5 > ML‐267 > SML‐134 > ML‐613 > SML‐32 > PBM‐1, respectively. The six starches exhibited significant (p < 0.05) differences in their pasting parameters. Correlation analysis showed that amylose content, granule diameter and relative crystallinity values were important in determining thermal, pasting and in vitro digestibility of starches.