Peruvian fava beans for health and food innovation: physicochemical, morphological, nutritional, and techno-functional characterization

• Published in: Food research international 2024-09, Vol.192, p.114814, Article 114814
• Main Authors: Salvador-Reyes, Rebeca, Furlan, Luisa Campigli, Martínez-Villaluenga, Cristina, Martins Dala-Paula, Bruno, Harumi Nabeshima, Elizabeth, da Costa Pinto, Camila, Michielon de Souza, Sérgio, Azevedo Lima Pallone, Juliana, Teresa Pedrosa Silva Clerici, Maria
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antioxidants - analysis; Color; Dietary Fiber - analysis; Fiber; Flavonoids - analysis; Flour - analysis; Food Handling - methods; Minerals - analysis; Nutritive Value; Peru; Polyphenols - analysis; Pulse; Seeds - chemistry; Starch; Sustainability; Vegetal protein; Vicia faba - chemistry; Vicia faba L
• ISSN: 0963-9969; 1873-7145; 1873-7145
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114814

[Display omitted] •Color and hardness are key indicators for distinguishing PFB varieties.•PFB have a high content of quality-proteins (∼24 %), fiber (21–25 %), and minerals.•PFB contain phenolic compounds (1.21 mg GAE/g) with antioxidant capacity.•PFB flours show 212% foaming and 52% emulsifying capabilities.•PFB flours’ viscosity increases on heating and produce firm gelatinized flours. Peruvian fava beans (PFB) are used in traditional cuisine as a nutrient-rich, flavorful, and textural ingredient; however, little is known about their industrial properties. This study evaluated the physicochemical, nutritional, and techno-functional characteristics of PFB varieties: Verde, Quelcao, and Peruanita. PFB exhibited distinct physical characteristics, quality parameters, and morphology. The color patterns of the seed coat and the hardness were the main parameters for distinguishing them. Nutritionally, all three samples exhibited high protein (23.88–24.88 g/100 g), with high proportion of essential amino acids, high dietary fiber (21.74–25.28 g/100 g), and mineral content. They also contain polyphenols (0.79–1.25 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (0.91–1.06 mg CE/g) with antioxidant potential (16.60–21.01 and 4.68–5.17 µmol TE/g for ABTS and DPPH assays, respectively). Through XRD measurements, the semi-crystalline nature of samples was identified, belonging to the C-type crystalline form. Regarding techno-functionality, PFB flours displayed great foaming capacity, with Verde variety being the most stable. Emulsifying capacity was similar among samples, although Peruanita was more stable during heating. Upon heating with water, PFB flours reached peak viscosities between 175 and 272 cP, and final viscosities between 242 and 384 cP. Quelcao and Verde formed firmer gels after refrigeration. Based on these results, PFB would be useful to developing innovative, nutritious, and healthy products that meet market needs.