Investigation into the lesser known Pulse - Canavalia ensiformis: Chemical composition and fatty acid profile

Abstract

Investigation into the proximate composition, mineral and fatty acid contents of Canavalia ensiformis have been carried out. The moisture content was 9.2% while crude oil, crude protein, crude fibre and carbohydrate contents were 2.8%, 28.6%, 5.3% and 51.3% respectively. Potassium, phosphorous and calcium were the most abundant minerals. Other mineral elements determined were sodium magnesium, iron, copper, zinc and manganese. The major fatty acids of the seed oil include palmitic acid (16.4%), oleic (45.7%) and linoleic acid (20.3%). Others include palmitoleic acid (3.1%), stearic acid (8.6%) and linolenic acid (5.9%). The essential fatty acid content was higher than found in some other pulses.



Keywords: Pulses, Canavalia ensiformis, Proximate analysis


J Food Tech in Africa (2002) 7, 82-85