Abstract
This study investigated the composition of pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan),grown at Sebele, Botswana. The raw seeds of six varieties were analyzed fordry matter, crude fat, protein, fiber, and ash, using Association of OfficialAnalytical Chemists procedures. Major minerals, Ca, K, P, Mg, Na and traceminerals, Cu, Fe and Zn were also assessed. The range of nutrient contentsobtained were: dry matter 86.6–88.0%, crude protein 19.0–21.7%, crudefat 1.2–1.3%, crude fiber 9.8–13.0%, and ash 3.9–4.3%. Minerals ranges(mg/100 g dry matter) were: K 1845–1941, P 163–293, Ca 120–167, Mg 113–127, Na 11.3–12.0, Zn 7.2–8.2, Fe 2.5–4.7 and Cu 1.6–1.8. There wereno significant differences in Na among the six varieties (p>0.05). For the other components, varietal differences (p < 0.05) were observed. The valuesobtained for the dry matter, crude protein, fat, ash, Ca, Cu, Fe, and Mg weresimilar to those in pigeon peas grown elsewhere, while those for crude fiber and Zn were higher. In general, the composition of pigeon peas compared favorably with those of other legumes such as Bambara groundnut (Vignasubterranea). The levels of crude protein, crude fiber, K, Ca, P and Mgindicated that pigeon peas could be valuable in the diet of the people of Botswana. This crop would positively contribute protein in the diet and thediversification of agricultural produce.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Singh F, Diwakar B (1993) Nutritive value and uses of pigeonpea and groundnut. Skills Development Series No. 14. International Crops Research Institute for Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh 502 324, India, 23 pp.
Kanwar JS (1987) Relevance of ICRISAT research in Africa. In: Research on Grain Legumes in Eastern and Central Africa, Summary Proceedings of the Consultative Group Meeting for Eastern and Central African Regional Research on Grain Legumes: ICRISAT, India, pp 5-11.
Nwokolo E (1996) Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.). In: Nwokolo E, Smartt J (eds), Food and Feed from Legumes and Oilseeds. London: Chapman & Hall, pp 64–73.
Madeley J (1995) Pea with a differences. Appropr Technol 22(1): 5.
AOAC (1996) Official Methods of Analysis, 16th edn. Washington, DC: Association of Official Analytical Chemists.
Kay DE (1979) Food legumes. Crop product digest no. 3. Tropical Products Institute, London, pp 322–347.
Duke JA (1981) Handbook of Legumes of World Economic Importance. New York: Plenum Press.
Faris DG, Singh U (1990) Pigeonpea nutrition and products. In: Nene YL, Hall SD, Shiela VK (eds), The Pigeon Pea. Wallington, Oxford: CAB International, pp 401–433.
Nwokolo E (1987) Nutritional evaluation of pigeon pea meal. Plant Food Hum Nutr 37: 283–290.
Nwokolo E (1996) Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.). In: Nwokolo E, Smartt J (eds), Food and Feed from Legumes and Oilseeds. London: Chapman & Hall, pp 216–221.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Amarteifio, J., Munthali, D., Karikari, S. et al. The composition of pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan (L. Millsp.) grown in Botswana. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 57, 173–177 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015248326920
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015248326920