Value Addition of Parkia timoriana through Food Processing Methods

Parkia timoriana commonly known as Tree Bean and Yongchak in Manipur, is one of the tree legumes native to North East India. It is grown and cultivated in both valley and hill areas of Manipur. It can be considered as one of the natural resources of North East India. Being rich in protein and other nutrients, it can serve as good source of diet to consume. It is consumed as Eromba and Singju in Manipur. Yongchak is considered as most demanding vegetable in Manipur. The present study focuses on the value addition of Tree bean so that it is available throughout the year in many new edible forms. It can be value added by using various food processing methods such as pickling, dehydration, baking etc. Many new products of yongchak pickle, Dried instant yongchak and Protein rich yongchak cookies can be produced. These new items can be commercialized throughout the country as health benefits foods. As this tree legumes are available abundantly in most of the regions of North East India, it can be a good potential sector for the entrepreneurs in North East India.