Abstract:
The objective of this study was to understand the factors that affect the hydration
and cooking profiles of different bean varieties. During this study, nine
bean varieties were classified as either easy-to-cook (ETC) or hard-to-cook
(HTC) based on a subjective finger pressing test and an objective cutting test.
Rose coco, Red haricot, and Zebra beans were classified as ETC, while Canadian
wonder, Soya fupi, Pinto, non-nodulating, Mwezi moja, Gwaku, and New
mwezi moja were HTC. The effect of different soaking (pre)-treatments on the
cooking behavior and/or water absorption of whole or dehulled beans was
investigated. Dehulling, soaking in high pH and monovalent salt solutions
reduced the cooking time of beans, while soaking in low pH and CaCl2
solutions increased the cooking time. Moisture uptake was faster in ETC and
dehulled beans. Soaking at high temperatures also increased the hydration rate.
The results point to pectin-related aspects and the rate of water uptake as
possible factors that influence the cooking rate of beans.
