Physico-chemical properties and nutritional composition of improved varieties of grain cowpea grown in Pantnagar

Abstract

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an inexpensive, nutrient dense legume favoring health. Physical characteristics and nutritional composition of Pusa Komal (PK) was compared with improved grain cowpea varieties (PL-1, PL-2, PL-3, PL-4, PL-5, PGCP-11 and PGCP-13). Grain cowpea varieties were significantly larger in size, higher seed weight, higher hydration and swelling capacity than PK. PGCP-13 and PL-3 were significantly denser seeds than PK (1.167g/ml). Bulk density of grain cowpea varieties (0.714 - 0.76 g/ml) was significantly lower than PK (0.812g/ml). Leaching losses in PL-1, PL-4, PL-5 and PGCP-13 (11.72 -12.26 %) was significantly lower than PK (13.65%). The proximate composition of PK viz. ash (4.02%), crude fat (1.04%), crude protein (24.4%), crude fiber (3.63%) and carbohydrate (66.91%) were significantly lower in comparison to different grain cowpea varieties. Phytate content was significantly low in PGCP-11, PL-4 and PL-3 (ranged from 184.77 to 203.31 mg/100g) than PK (204.24 mg/100g). The tannic acid content of PL-1, PGCP-13 and PL-3 was significantly lower than PK (0.68%).