Physical and nutritional properties of sixteen varieties of bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in Cameroon

Among the pulses grown in the world, common beans also known as Phaseolus vulgaris L. are a major group consumed worldwide and their wide consumption helps to attenuate food insecurity. In Cameroon, 16 varieties of bean seeds were developed at IRAD-Foumbot but very few are widely known and consumed. This study focused on experimental determination of physical and nutritional properties of these 16 varieties of bean seeds. Bean weights and dimensional properties were assessed as well as nutritional composition. The results revealed that the bean seeds grown in Cameroon differed significantly in physical attributes and nutritional profile. Both the varieties ECA-PAN 021 and TY-3396-12 provided the highest energy value respectively 232.85 ± 2.84 and 233.61 ± 1.78 kcal/100 g, although the variety TY-3396–12 had the best lipids content (8.46%) and ECA-PAN 021 the highest protein concentration (37.85%). Minerals analysis revealed that the variety MAC-33 had the highest iron content (7.25 mg/100 g) and the variety GL-22 the highest zinc level (21.36 mg/100 g). The study also showed that Cameroonian bean seeds are pulses with antinutrients level safe for human consumption. All the 16 varieties of beans grown in Cameroon have a good potential to enhance food security although certain varieties can better address some particular nutritional challenges.