LEGUME PROCESSING EFFECTS ON DIETARY FIBER COMPONENTS

Effects of different processes were studied on neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose, and lignin content of legumes. Chick peas, kidney beans, and lentils were soaked and cooked, simulating home processing. Values were recorded on a wet basis as a guide to calculating their contribution to the diet. Decrease in values was more pronounced in pressure-cooked chick peas and kidney beans with cooking liquid removed. In lentils, cooking liquid embedded, no difference between processes was observed. Amounts of dietary fiber components on a dry basis, of interest when legume meal is used as food supplement, increased for chick peas and beans, except for the hemicellulose of beans and lentils, which decreased.