Effect of cooking method on water absorption and ease of dehulling in preparation of African locust beans for Iru

Gas boiling or pressure cooking increased the level of water uptake by locust beans over that with firewood cooking, mainly because of sustained heat input. Presoaking in cold water produced no advantage. The boiling times necessary for satisfactory dehulling were 10h using firewood, 6h by gas boiling, and 30 and 50min respectively by pressure cooking at 121 and 115°C.