Abstract

GRANITO, Marisela; GUINAND, Julieta; PEREZ, Delis  and  SUHEY, Pérez. Nutritive value and functional properties of processed Phaseolus vulgaris: a Votential food ingredient. INCI [online]. 2009, vol.34, n.1, pp.064-070. ISSN 0378-1844.

The consumption of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) constitutes an important dietary habit in many Latin American countries. Its wide availability and nutritional value gives P. vulgaris a strategic value as food. However, its consumption is basically as whole grain, limiting its nutritional benefits like high content of protein, dietary fiber and bioactive components. The chemical composition and some functional properties of four varieties of P. vulgaris cultivated in Venezuela were studied. These varieties were thermally processed (cooked at atmospheric pressure) and bioprocessed (fermented, fermented-cooked) with the aim of suggesting its use as an ingredient for processed food production. It was found that cooking led to the highest losses in protein, mineral and anti-nutritional compounds, while fermentation diminished more efficiently the flatulence-producing compounds such as a-galactosides and soluble fiber. Regarding functional properties, the cooking process increased the water absorption capacity while the fermentation process raised the emulsifying and foaming capacities as well as the foam stability. It is concluded that fermented and cooked flours of P. vulgaris can be incorporated in the elaboration of viscous (soups, sauces and dough), emulsified (mayonnaises, vinaigrettes), as well as jellified and breaded food products, due to its nutritional value and the functionality provided to the developed products.

Keywords : Cocción; Fermentación; Phaseolus vulgaris; Propiedades Funcionales.