Certain physicochemical and functional properties of fibre fractions from pulses

The physicochemical and functional properties of the fibre fractions from peas (Pisum sativum), lentils (Lens culinaris), chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) and navy beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were evaluated, and the relationships amongst those properties were determined. Fibre fractions from several varieties of each species were prepared using a laboratory wet milling procedure. The fibre fractions contained 663.2 to 808.5 g/kg DM of total dietary fibre, 45.4 to 171.1 g/kg DM of crude protein, 102.7 to 195.6 g/kg DM of starch and 1.9 to 10.5 g/kg DM of crude fat. Fibre fractions from pea and kabuli chickpea displayed significant higher fat absorption (FA) than those from lentil, navy bean and desi chickpea. Lentil and navy bean fibre fractions exhibited larger mean particle size than did pea and chickpea fibre fractions. Pulse fibre fractions exhibited significantly higher water hydration, swelling and water retention capacities in comparison to commercial pea fibre products. A significant reverse relationship (r = − 0.956, p < 0.001) between mean particle size and specific surface area (SpSA) of pulse fibre fractions was observed. FA of fibre fractions was positively correlated with SpSA (r = 0.820, p < 0.001).