Resumo

RAMOS DE VEGA, Mercedes  e  SANGRONIS, Elba. Influence of germination on composition of Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna sinensis. Agronomía Trop. [online]. 2006, vol.56, n.4, pp.531-537. ISSN 0002-192X.

Legumes are a source of proteins that combined with cereals increase its biological value. In addition, legumes calories source, iron, phosphorous, magnesium and potassium. Black beans, Phaseolus vulgaris are also a good source of calcium. In this study, the content of protein, fat, ash, dietetic fibre, both soluble and insoluble, and the minerals Cu, K, Na, Ca, Fe, Mg, P, Zn and Mn, were determined in Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna sinensis, Tuy and Orituco varieties. Legumes were germinated at 25 ± 2 °C, in natural light and 78 ± 4% relative humidity. Proximal composition was determined according to official methods. An Induced Coupling of Plasma (ICP) equipment was used for the determination of the minerals. For comparison purpuses, non-germinated grains were used. It was observed that germination increases the content of proteins in about 7% in both legumes and 2% of soluble fibre in Vigna sinensis var. Tuy. Fat content also decreased 25% in black beans and more than 50% in Vigna sinensis. Germination affects the mineral content of both legumes, without a definite trend. It was demonstrated that germination varies the composition of both legumes.

Palavras-chave : legumes; germination; minerals.