Carbohydrate Profile of a Dry Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Panel Encompassing Broad Genetic Variability for Cooking Time

Dry beans are typically consumed as a whole food, and cooking time is one of the most important processing quality attributes. A panel of eight dry bean entries with variability in cooking time was established, grown in three locations, and used to test the hypothesis that carbohydrate components are major underlying contributors to genetic variability in cooking time. The cooking times ranged from 17 to 160 min. In general, faster cooking bean genotypes had higher levels of soluble dietary fiber in both the raw and cooked samples. Resistant starch levels in the raw beans, although not correlated with cooking time, were of interest because of the large genotypic variability, and they ranged from 1.5 to 35%. One genotype in particular, a yellow bean from Africa, Cebo Cela, had low resistant starch levels in the raw seeds of 1.5–2.5%, whereas average resistant starch levels in the entire panel were 26–30%. Resistant starch levels (3.9–4.2%) in the cooked seed of Cebo Cela were comparable to the other genotypes (3.4–4.3%). Based on light microscopy, the cell walls did not remain intact in the raw milled seed used for the analyses, but they did remain intact in the cooked samples, suggesting the differences in resistant starch in the raw seed are related to starch structure.     

Modifications to physicochemical and nutritional properties of hard-To-cook beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by extrusion cooking.

The objective of this work was to evaluate extrusion cooking as a means to improve the nutritional properties of Phaseolus vulgaris L. that had been stored either at 42 degrees C and 80% relative humidity for 6 weeks or for periods >1 year in cereal stores in tropical conditions. Storage under these conditions resulted in an increase in cooking time increased (7.7- and 12-fold, respectively) as a result of development of the hard-to-cook (HTC) defect. Single-screw extrusion of the milled beans was carried out at four barrel temperatures and two moisture contents. The extrudate bulk density and water solubility index decreased with increasing temperature, whereas the water absorption index increased due to the higher proportion of gelatinized starch in the extruded samples. Both fresh and HTC beans contained nutritionally significant amounts of lectins, trypsin, and alpha-amylase inhibitors, which were mostly inactivated by extrusion. Extrusion also caused a considerable redistribution of insoluble dietary fiber to soluble, although the total dietary fiber content was not affected. Changes in solubility involved pectic polysaccharides, arabinose and uronic acids being the main sugars involved. Stored beans subjected to extrusion cooking showed physical and chemical characteristics similar to those of extrudates from fresh beans.     

Effect of different soaking solutions on nutritive utilization of minerals (calcium,phosphorus, and magnesium) from cooked beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in growing rats

The effects of the commonly used processing techniques of soaking (at different pH values) and cooking on the digestive and nutritive utilization of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium from common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were studied. Before the cooking step, the beans were soaked in solutions of acid (2.6 and 5.3) or basic (8.4) pH. Chemical and biological methods were used to determine nutritional parameters in growing rats, and the fiber content of the beans was established. As the pH of the soaking solution increased, so did mineral absorption and the apparent digestibility coefficient, which reached suitable values for growing rats, due to the reduced losses of soluble minerals and the increased food intake. Metabolic utilization also improved with increased pH of the soaking solution, although the values were, in general, low as a result of urinary losses under the experimental conditions. For the experimental period of 10 days, the femur and the muscle seem to be good metabolic indicators for calcium, but not for phosphorus or magnesium. The increased amount of cellulose in the soaked seed did not have a negative effect on the digestive utilization of minerals.     

Effects of Cultivar,Growing Location,and Year on Physicochemical and Cooking Characteristics of Dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

The effects of cultivar, growing location, and year on physicochemical and cooking characteristics of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris ) were investigated, and the relationship between these characteristics was determined. Twenty dry bean cultivars and breeding lines were grown at two different locations for two consecutive years (2013 and 2014) in southern Manitoba, Canada. Results indicated that cultivar, growing location, and year had significant effects on seed weight, water hydration capacity, and cooking time of beans. Significant cultivar, location, and year variations in protein, starch, and phytic acid contents in beans were observed. Most of the traits were also significantly affected by the interactions of cultivar × location, cultivar × year, and location × year. Seed weight was negatively correlated with crude protein and ash contents but positively correlated with starch content. Cooking time was negatively correlated with protein, ash, and phytic acid contents but positively correlated with firmness. Phytic acid content in beans was positively correlated with ash content. Knowledge gained from this study will be useful to bean breeders in selecting parental lines for crossing and cultivar development in efforts to improve the quality of beans.     

Chemical Composition and Antinutritional Factors of Field Peas (Pisum sativum), Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), and Faba Beans (Vicia faba) as Affected by Extrusion Preconditioning and Drying Temperatures

Legumes are valuable plant sources of protein and energy and extrusion is one of the most common processing methods for manufacturing both human food and animal feeds. In the present study, three different legumes (field peas, chickpeas, and faba beans) were ground and processed in a pilot‐scale extrusion line. Various preconditioning and dryer temperatures were applied to each legume separately that reflected or differed from standard manufacturing conditions. Although literature exists regarding the effects of extrusion temperature and moisture on legume antinutrients, no data are available on the respective effects of preconditioning and drying. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of processing on both nutritional and antinutritional factors for each processing combination. Proximate composition, starch, oligosaccharides, total nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP), soluble (S‐NSP), and insoluble (I‐NSP) levels were evaluated. The antinutritional factors phytic acid, tannins, and trypsin inhibitors were also determined. Chickpea and field pea NSP values were not drastically affected by processing, while for most processing conditions, total NSP, S‐NSP, and I‐NSP were slightly reduced in faba beans. Preconditioning before extrusion processing generally improved the nutritional value of the ingredients by significantly reducing trypsin inhibitor level. Phytate and total tannin levels were greatly reduced irrespective of the preconditioning and drying treatment. Wet preconditioning can be used in combination with extrusion to improve the nutritional value of legumes, while drying at 90–150°C does not significantly further reduce antinutritional factor levels.     

Effect of fermentation and autoclaving on dietary fiber fractions and antinutritional factors of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The effect of fermentation on antinutritional factors and also on total dietary fiber (TDF), insoluble (IDF) and soluble (SDF) dietary fiber fractions was studied in beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The processes studied were two types of fermentation (lactic acid and natural), and a portion of the obtained flours were processed by autoclaving. The dietary fiber (DF) content and its components were determined using the enzymatic-gravimetric and enzymatic-chemical methods. The TDF content ranged from 24.5% dry matter (DM) in the raw to 25.2% DM in the processed beans. All the processing treatments significantly decreased the SDF content, and irrelevant changes were noticed in the IDF content of processed beans. Cellulose content of all samples was reduced by the processing treatments. Correspondingly, higher amounts of resistant starch was observed in the processed beans, except in the lactic acid fermented ones. However, the levels of pectic polysaccharides and Klason lignin were higher in the samples fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum. The action of microorganisms was determinant for the different degradation of the bean cell wall, disrupting the protein-carbohydrate integration, thus reducing the solubility of DF.     

Bioaccessibility of phenols in common beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and iron (Fe) availability to Caco-2 cells

Samples of common and biofortified beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris ), both raw and cooked (autoclaved at 120 degrees C for 20 min) were analyzed for their polyphenol composition. Polyphenols were identified via HPLC-UV/diode array detection. Cooking favored the extraction of polyphenols without the need of a hydrolysis step, a fact that is of interest because this is the usual form in which beans are consumed. The main differences between white and colored beans were the presence of free kaempferol (13.5-29.9 microg g(-1)) and derivatives (kaempferol-3-O-glucoside) (12.5-167.5 microg g(-1)), only in red and black beans. An in vitro digestion (pepsin, pH2; pancreatin-bile extract, pH 7) was applied to beans to estimate bioaccessibility of individual polyphenols. Kaempferol from seed coats exhibited high bioaccessibility (45.4-62.1%) and a potent inhibitor effect on Fe uptake at concentrations ranging from 0.37 to 1.30 microM. Caco-2 cell ferritin formation was used to evaluate Fe uptake. Cell Fe uptake was significant only from white beans.     

Oligosaccharide Content and Composition of Legumes and Their Reduction by Soaking,Cooking, Ultrasound,and High Hydrostatic Pressure

Oligosaccharides, including raffinose, stachyose, ciceritol, and verbascose, are commonly found in legumes and often result in flatulence in humans. Effects of soaking, soaking with ultrasound (47 MHz), soaking with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP, 621 MPa), and subsequent cooking on the oligosaccharide content of lentils, chickpeas, peas, and soybeans were investigated. Legumes were soaked for 3 or 12 hr in water, soaked for 1.5 or 3 hr with ultrasound, or soaked for 0.5 or 1 hr with HHP. Oligosaccharides of lentils and chickpeas were mainly composed of raffinose, ciceritol, and stachyose, while those of peas and soybeans were raffinose and stachyose. Verbascose was the minor oligosaccharide in lentils and peas and was absent in chickpeas and soybeans. Ciceritol was not detected in peas and soybeans. Total oligosaccharide content of raw legumes ranged from 70.7 mg/g in yellow peas to 144.9 mg/g in chickpeas. Soaking was effective for the reduction of oligosaccharides in the tested legumes. Compared with soaking for 3 hr, soaking legumes with ultrasound for 3 hr in all tested legumes or soaking legumes with HHP for 1 hr, with exception of soybeans, appeared to be more effective for the reduction of oligosaccharides. The effect of cooking on the reduction of oligosaccharide content of presoaked legumes was evident in lentils, while oligosaccharide content of chickpeas, peas, and soybeans was either unchanged or even increased by cooking after presoaking, with or without ultrasound, probably due to the leaching of other soluble components and the release of bound oligosaccharides during cooking. During soaking or cooking of legumes, raffinose leached out faster than other oligosaccharides.     

Effect of Processing on Antinutrient Compounds in Pulses

Processing of pulses (peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, and faba beans) is necessary to reduce or eliminate the antinutrient compounds. Conventional processing including soaking, dehulling, boiling, and pressure cooking as well as germination and fermentation reduce the levels of phytate, protease inhibitors, phenolics, condensed tannins, lectins, and saponins. Recent research has investigated how innovative processes such as extrusion, microwave heating, micronization, and irradiation affect the antinutrient content. Germination tends to be most effective at reducing phytate levels, regardless of pulse type. Mixed results on the effectiveness of extrusion, microwave heating, and micronization have been reported. More work is needed to understand how processing of consumer‐ready foods containing pulse ingredients affects levels of antinutrient compounds.     

Composition,Nutritional Value,and Health Benefits of Pulses

The United Nations has declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses. Pulses are narrowly defined as leguminous crops that are harvested as dry seeds. Although some pulse crops are harvested green (e.g., green peas), these are classified as vegetables because the pods are often consumed along with the mature and sometimes immature seeds. Other dried legumes such as soybean and peanut meet the definition of being a leguminous crop that is harvested as dry seeds; however, these crops are grown primarily for oil content and, thus, are not categorized as pulses. There are hundreds of pulse varieties grown worldwide; these include, for example, dry edible beans, chickpeas, cowpeas, and lentils. This review will cover the proximate (e.g., protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals), and phytonutrient (e.g., polyphenolics and carotenoid) composition of dry edible beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas. Soybean and peanuts will not be covered in this review. The effects of processing on composition will also be covered. The health benefits related to folates, fiber, and polyphenolics will be highlighted. The health benefits discussed will include cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and weight control. The current review will not cover antinutrient compounds; this topic will be covered in a separate review article published in the same issue.     

Nutritional composition and cooking characteristics of tepary bean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phaseolus acutifolius</Emphasis> Gray) in comparison with common bean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phaseolus vulgaris</Emphasis> L.)

Tepary bean is a highly abiotic stress tolerant orphan crop for which there has been limited research on its nutritional value and cooking characteristics. These are key aspects when considering the potential for broader adoption of tepary bean. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate a large set of seed composition and cooking traits related to human nutrition using both landraces and breeding lines of domesticated tepary bean from replicated field trials and to compare the traits in tepary with those in common bean. Tepary bean showed reduced fat and ash concentration and higher sucrose concentration as compared to common bean. Of the twelve amino acids evaluated, only proline in one of the two trials was statistically different between the two species. There were statistically significant differences between tepary and common bean for the concentration of some elements in this study; however, the elemental concentrations fell within the range of those found for common bean in previous studies. The majority of tepary bean lines showed consistently short cooking times and a high percentage of seeds showed measurable water uptake, while some showed a hardshell trait (low water uptake) and longer cooking times. Principal component analysis on a subset of traits showed a distinct group of common beans and two tepary bean groups that were divided on the basis of several agronomic, cooking, and elemental composition traits. Tepary bean, as with other pulses, is a highly nutritious crop with the range of composition and cooking characteristics similar to those of common bean. The variability for seed composition and cooking traits found within tepary bean can be exploited for its improvement.     

Genetic selection for enhanced bioavailable levels of iron in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds

The bioavailability of Fe from 24 select genotypes of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds containing a range of concentrations of Fe, myo-inositol pentaphosphate plus phytic acid (IP5+IP6), and tannins was studied using a rat model. Bean accessions, selected from field trials for their variations in Fe, phytate, and tannin seed concentrations, were grown in a greenhouse in nutrient solutions radiolabeled with (59)Fe. Mature seeds were autoclaved and lyophilized. Test meals (containing 1 g of dried bean, 0.5 g of sucrose, and 1 g of basal Fe-deficient diet) were fed to marginally Fe-depleted weanling rats over a 3-h period; rats were radioassayed in a gamma-spectrometer immediately after feeding and daily thereafter for the next 10 d. Radioiron retention data were used to calculate percent Fe absorption (i.e., Fe bioavailability) from the meals. Seed Fe concentrations ranged from 52 to 157 microg g(-)(1) dry weight. There was a tendency to also select for higher Zn concentrations in the beans when selecting for high Fe concentrations. The Fe bioavailability to rats from test meals depended on the genotype and varied from 53% to 76% of the total Fe. Bean genotypes with higher seed Fe concentrations resulted in increased amounts of bioavailable Fe to rats. There was no significant correlation between the Fe concentration in different bean genotypes and Fe bioavailability to rats attributable to variations in IP5+IP6 or tannins, even though these antinutrients varied widely (i.e., from 19.6 to 29.2 micromol of IP5+IP6 g(-)(1) and from 0.35 to 2.65 mg of tannins g(-)(1)) in the test meals. Other unknown seed factors (i.e., antinutrients or promoter substances) may be contributing factors affecting Fe bioavailability from bean seeds.     

Near-infrared spectroscopy analysis of seed coats of common beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.): a potential tool for breeding and quality evaluation

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a well-established technique for determining the components of foods. Sample preparation for NIRS is easy, making it suitable for breeding and/or quality evaluation, for which a large number of samples should be analyzed. We aimed to assess the feasibility of NIRS to estimate parameters that seem to influence consumers' perception of the seed coat of common beans: dietary fiber (DF), uronic acids (UA), ashes, calcium, and magnesium. We used reference methods to analyze ground seed coats of 90 common bean samples with a wide range of genetic variability and cultivated at many locations. We registered the NIR spectra on intact beans and ground seed coat samples. We derived partial least-squares (PLS) regression equations from a set of calibration samples and tested their predictive power in an external validation set. For intact beans, only RER values for ashes and calcium are good enough for very rough screening. For ground seed coat samples, the RPD and RER values for ashes (3.49 and 14.09, respectively) and calcium (3.57 and 12.70, respectively) are good enough for screening. RPD and RER values for DF (2.60 and 9.15, respectively) and RER values for magnesium (6.57) also enable rough screening. A poorer correlation was achieved for UA. We conclude that NIRS can help in common bean breeding research and quality evaluation.     

Phytochemicals for health, the role of pulses

Pulses are the seeds of legumes that are used for human consumption and include peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas, and fava beans. Pulses are an important source of macronutrients, containing almost twice the amount of protein compared to cereal grains. In addition to being a source of macronutrients and minerals, pulses also contain plant secondary metabolites that are increasingly being recognised for their potential benefits for human health. The best-studied legume is the soybean, traditionally regarded as an oilseed crop rather than a pulse. The potential health benefits of soy, particularly with respect to isoflavone content, have been the subject of much research and the focus of several reviews. By comparison, less is known about pulses. This review investigates the health potential of pulses, examining the bioactivity of pulse isoflavones, phytosterols, resistant starch, bioactive carbohydrates, alkaloids and saponins. The evidence for health properties is considered, as is the effect of processing and cooking on these potentially beneficial phytochemicals.     

Biomass production in peas (Pisum sativum L.) and broad beans (Vicia faba L.) and symbiotic dinitrogen fixation as affected by ploughing or no-tillage and nitrogen fertilizer

In small-scale field experiments on a clay loam soil the effect of different methods of cultivation on the growth and above-ground biomass production in broad beans and peas was examined. The cultivation treatments were ploughing or no-tillage in factorial combination with or without inter-row cultivation, and different levels of N-fertilization (0, 100 or 200 kg ha⁻¹ N).

In broad beans no-tillage significantly reduced dry-matter production, whereas in peas the effect was insignificant. Differences in dry-matter production caused by N-fertilization were statistically insignificant in both crops.

Nodulation of broad beans was inhibited by increasing rates of mineral nitrogen, as well as by the no-tillage system; N-fertilization only compensated for the losses caused by the inhibition of the symbiotic dinitrogen fixation.

In peas, after the application of mineral nitrogen and without tillage there was a significant inhibition of nodulation and also of the nitrogenase enzymic system. In this case, however, the high N-level increased the pod and seed numbers per plant.     

Variability in sensory attributes in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): a first survey in the Iberian secondary diversity center

Few studies have explored sensory variability in beans. We used geographic, agronomic, morphological, and genetic criteria to select numerous groups of landraces from among the many collected in Catalonia (northeast Spain). Beans cultivated in a single location to avoid environmental effects were submitted to a trained panel for sensory analysis. We used multiple linear regression to explore whether the flavor and texture of the seed (evaluable only by tasting after cooking) can be estimated from easily measurable traits like the appearance of the beans. The degree of variability found for all sensory traits (coefficients of variation: 20–70 %) was similar to that of agronomic traits; however, entries were grouped differently for sensory and agronomic traits, suggesting independent evolution. Negative genotypic correlations between some sensory traits will probably hinder attempts to achieve ideotypes combining low seed-coat perceptibility, low mealiness, and high flavor. Regressions between easily measurable traits (agronomic and culinary traits and appearance of the seeds) and flavor and texture yielded R² values ranging from 0.47 to 0.64. We consider these values good enough for rough screening of sensory attributes in genetic resources studies or breeding.     

Anthocyanin profile of Korean cultivated kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

This investigation was conducted to determine the structures and amounts of anthocyanins obtained from seed coats of kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivated in Korea. Anthocyanins in the seed coat of kidney bean were extracted with 1% HCl/20% CH(3)OH, and the crude anthocyanin extracts were purified by semipreparative HPLC. Five major anthocyanins were isolated, and their chemical structures were identified by spectroscopic methods (UV-vis, LC/ES-MS, and 1H and 13C NMR). The structures of these five anthocyanins were elucidated as cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, petunidin 3-glucoside, and pelargonidin 3-glucoside. Using RP-HPLC with photodiode array detection, each of the five anthocyanins was separated within 12 min by using a gradient elution. It was proved that the application of RP-HPLC could be an excellent method for determining the composition and contents of anthocyanins in kidney bean. The preponderance of pelargonidin 3-glucoside and delphinidin 3-glucoside are observed in red and black kidney beans, respectively. However, in this study, it is reported for the first time that the contents and composition of anthocyanins in speckled seed depend on the classes of speckle color. The contents of cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-glucoside, petunidin 3-glucoside, pelargonidin 3-glucoside, and total anthocyanins in seed coats of 16 kidney beans cultivated in Korea were in the ranges of 0-0.04, 0-2.61, 0-0.12, 0-0.17, 0-0.59 and 0-2.78 mg/g of dried seed coats, respectively.     

Structural constituents of the seagrass Posidonia australis

Large amounts of seagrass, Posidonia australis, wash onto beaches in South Australia each year, causing substantial environmental problems. It was of interest to assess the potential for an economic use of this seagrass-such as for animal nutrition. Structural constituents of P. australis (green, freshly deposited, and both washed and unwashed samples from dried deposits on the beach) were examined and compared. Glucose, galactose, and mannose were the dominant sugars (>10 g kg-1 of dry matter) in the soluble fraction of nonstarch polysaccharides in all seagrass forms. The content of the insoluble constituents of the nonstarch polysaccharides was significantly higher than soluble nonstarch polysaccharide constituents (P < 0.01). Data showed that the major constituents of the Posidonia cell wall are cellulose and lignin (190-209 and 145-154 g kg-1, respectively). The crude protein content of Posidonia ranged from 54 to 61 g kg-1. Results showed no biologically significant compositional differences between the four different forms of seagrass tested. Dry, unwashed seagrass, which is readily available in large quantities and easily harvested, may have potential as a foodstuff for ruminant animals.     

Chemical composition and glycemic index of Brazilian pine (Araucaria angustifolia) seeds

The seeds of Parana pine (Araucaria brasiliensis syn. Araucaria angustifolia), named pinh?o, are consumed after cooking and posterior dehulling, or they are used to prepare a flour employed in regional dishes. Native people that live in the South of Brazil usually consume baked pinh?o. As a result of cooking, the white seeds become brown on the surface due to the migration of some tinted compounds present in the seed coat. In this work, the proximate composition, minerals, flavonoids, and glycemic index (GI) of cooked and raw pinh?o seeds were compared. No differences in moisture, lipids, soluble fiber, and total starch after boiling were found. However, the soluble sugars and P, Cu, and Mg contents decreased, probably as a consequence of leaching in the cooking water. Also, the boiling process modified the profile of the phenolic compounds in the seeds. No flavonols were detected in raw pinh?o seeds. The internal seed coat had a quercetin content five times higher than that of the external seed coat; also, quercetin migrated into the seed during cooking. The internal seed coat had a high content of total phenolics, and seeds cooked in normal conditions (with the seed coat) showed a total phenolics content five times higher than that of seeds cooked without the seed coat. Cooking was then extremely favorable to pinh?o seeds bioactive compounds content. The carbohydrate availability was evaluated in a short-term assay in humans by the GI. The GI of pinh?o seeds cooked with the coat (67%) was similar to that of the seeds cooked without a coat (62%) and lower than bread, showing that cooking does not interfere with starch availability. The low glycemic response can be partly due to its high content of resistant starch (9% of the total starch).     

Clustering of Chickpea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cicer arietinum</Emphasis> L.) Accessions

The variation in 20 morphological and agronomical traits has been evaluated in a set of chickpea genetic resources from four countries. Data indicated differences between accessions in leaf, flower, pod, and seed traits and characteristics, as well as in vegetation period. Multivariate analyses of these data segregated chickpeas into groups. Polymorphism in seed glutelines was absent, while variation in seed prolamines was very limited. DNA amplification patterns have been analyzed by semi-arbitrary primers and by specific microsatellite primers. Only some of semi-arbitrary primers generated usable DNA banding patterns, moreover interpretation of these patterns can be more or less difficult. On the contrary specific primers amplifying microsatellites at the specific loci generated unambiguous and reproducible differences between chickpeas.