Cooking characteristics,chemical composition and protein quality of newly developed genotypes of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L)

Eight newly developed pigeonpea genotypes (ICPL 87, ICPL 151, ICPL 270, ICPL 366, ICPL 87051, ICPL 87063, ICPL 87067, and ICPV 1), and the two controls (BDN 2 and C 11) were analysed for cooking quality parameters and chemical composition, including amino acids and minerals. Protein quality was evaluated by determining the true protein digestibility, biological value, net protein utilisation (NPU), and utilisable protein. These genotypes differed significantly (P < 0–01) in the dhal cooking time. Sensory properties of dhal of these genotypes were found to be within the acceptable range, even though there were considerable differences among genotypes. Dhal protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron contents of these genotypes showed noticeable differences. Calcium content of ICPL 87067 was the highest (85-6 mg per 100 g) and of ICPL 87 the lowest (54-4 mg per 100 g) indicating large differences among the newly developed genotypes. No noticeable differences in sulphur-containing amino acids of these genotypes were observed. NPU was the highest (65–4%) for ICPL 366 and the lowest (56–6%) for ICPL 270 and ICPL 87067 indicating significant (P < 0–01) differences among genotypes studied.     

The moisture dependent physical and mechanical properties of whole lentil pulse and split cotyledon

Some physical and mechanical properties of lentil whole grain/pulse and dhal (dehusked split pulse), at different moisture contents were determined. Among the physical properties, size, sphericity, roundness, average surface area, bulk density and void fraction were determined. Bulk densities of whole pulse were between 785 and 831 kg m^?3, whereas for dhal they were between 741 and 840 kg m^?3 and bulk density decreased as moisture content was increased for both the whole grain and the dhal. The compression behaviour was judged by determining the firmness and the linear elastic limit, of which the former decreased with moisture content but the linear elastic limit increased. A method is proposed to calculate the total surface area of dhal and whole pulse. Photomicrographs showed the thickness of the outer seed coat to be between 25 and 65 microns.     

Nutritional implications and flour functionality of popped/expanded horse gram

Utilization of horse gram and its flour in legume composite flours and products is limited due to the presence of antinutritional components, poor functional and expansion properties. Enzymatic treatment was used to improve the expansion and functional properties of horse gram to facilitate its use as an ingredient in food processing. Xylanase-mediated depolymerization of cell wall polysaccharides of horse gram lead to the development of a new expanded/popped horse gram. Expansion process of enzyme treated horse gram resulted in increased length (5.3–6.8 mm) and higher yield of expanded grains (63–98%). The expanded horse gram had lower bulk density, higher protein digestibility and more resistant starch compared to the control raw grains. Dietary fibre content of raw and processed horse gram was in the range of 14.57–16.14%. High temperature short time (HTST) conditions used during expansion process lowered the levels of phytic acid, tannins and protease inhibitors by 46%, 61% and 92%, respectively. The flour obtained from xylanase treated and expanded horse gram had higher water (204.3 g/100 g) and oil absorption capacities (98.4 g/100 g) than unprocessed flour, which had 135.8 g/100 g and 74.6 g/100 g, respectively at ambient conditions. There was a decrease in foaming capacity and foam stability in expanded gram flour. However, emulsion stability increased significantly in the processed samples. Thus, the study indicated that nutritional value and flour functionality of horse gram could be improved by processing it into a new expanded product that can be used as an ingredient in food processing.     

Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Khesari Dhal (Lathyrus sativus): Changes in α-Galactosides,Monosaccharides and Disaccharides during Food Processing

Lathyrus sativus , also known as Khesari dhal in India, is a good source of protein and also desirable from the agricultural point of view as it is drought-resistant and can be grown with low agriculture inputs of fertiliser, irrigation and pesticide. In common with other legume seeds, Lathyrus contains the flatulence causing α-galactosides. This is a study of the physico-chemical properties of four selected Lathyrus sativus lines (Red flower, a high β-ODAP line; EC-242692, a medium β-ODAP line; L-1276, a low β-ODAP line; and Pusa-24, a very low β-ODAP line) to determine the most effective way of removing the flatulence factors by using simple processes such as soaking, dehusking and germination. Physico-chemical properties like swelling and hydration capacity of Lathyrus seeds were higher than other legumes, which suggests higher consumer preference in terms of cooking time and fuel consumption over other beans. Germination was the most effective procedure for removing α-galatosides (85–92%). Dehusking of pre-soaked seeds also achieved a high α-galactoside reduction (61–80%). Soaking in alkaline medium and thereafter boiling for 9 min brought about a lower reduction (33–74%), but these losses were still higher than those obtained by soaking in drinking water or soaking in boiled water for 2 h (11–49% and 7–44%, respectively).