Biochemical Evaluation of Twelve Broad Bean Cultivars

Abstract

The proximate composition, lipoxygenase, hemagglutinin and trypsin inhibitor contents of twelve broad bean cultivars grown in Iraq were determined. Two bean cultivars were found to contain about 15mg/g phytic acid. The average moisture content was 9.7%, crude fat 1.0%, protein 27.3%, ash 3.2% and crude fibre 6.1%. Except for protein, which showed a range of 24.2% to 29.2%, the other components in the cultivars did not show much variation. A wide variation, however, was noted in hemagglutinin, trypsin inhibitor and lipoxygenase activities. The oil from the cultivar Cyprus contained 78% unsaturated and 21% saturated fatty acids. The major unsaturated fatty acid was linoleic while palmitic was the major saturated fatty acid. The very potent lipoxygenase activity could be almost completely destroyed by a 7min blanch in boiling water.