Proximate, minerals and antinutritional factors of some underutilized grain legumes in south-western Nigeria

Purpose - African yam bean (Sphenotylis stenocarpa), bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and lima bean (Phaseolus luunatus) are some of the minor grain legumes found in Nigeria. Their utilization has been very limiting because little is known about their nutritive value. The proximate, minerals and antinutritional factors of two collections of African yam bean, lima beans and pigeon pea, and one collection of bambara groundnut seeds grown in south-western Nigeria were studied. Design/methodology/approach - Dry seeds of two collections of African yam bean, pigeon pea and lima beans, and a collection of bambara groundnut were collected from Oyo and Ondo States in south-western Nigeria. The legumes were sorted, milled and stored in polythene bags at 4 degrees C. Findings - The crude protein in the legumes was in the range of 22-37 per cent, crude fat 1.47-4.96 per cent, crude fibre 1.92-7.21 per cent and ash 3.33-5.61 per cent. K, Ca and P were in the range of 0.15-0.52 per cent. Iron content of the seeds was very low. The antinutrients, tannin, phytic acid and trypsin inhibitor were very high when compared to those of cowpea, groundnut and soybean. Originality/value - It therefore implies that consumption of these legumes will require processes that will reduce their antinutritional factors.