Physicochemical and functional properties of whole legume flour

- Physicochemical and functional properties of different legume flours were studied.
- Significant differences were in physicochemical and functional properties of legume flours.
- Functional properties of flours depend on ratios of protein to starch and other components.
- Phaseolus legumes flours had high WAC, OAC, emulsifying activity and emulsion stability.

The physicochemical, functional and pasting properties of whole flours from pinto bean, lima bean, red kidney bean, black bean, navy bean, small red bean, black eye bean, mung bean, lentil and chickpea were investigated. Significant differences in physicochemical characteristics and functional properties were observed (P < 0.05). Bulk densities, water absorption indices, water solubility indices, oil absorption capacities, emulsion activities, and emulsion stabilities ranged from 0.543 g/mL to 0.816 g/mL, 4.09 g/g to 6.13 g/g, 19.44 g/100 g to 29.14 g/100 g, 0.93 g/g to 1.38 g/g, 61.14%-92.20%, and 84.15%-96.90%, respectively. Phaseolus legume flour exhibited higher water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, emulsion activity, and emulsion stability compared with other kinds of legume flour. Pasting properties were significantly different (P < 0.05). Pasting temperatures and the peak, final, and setback viscosities of the flours ranged from 73.2 °C to 83.0 °C, 96.2 RVU to 216.8 RVU, 118.5 RVU to 243.8 RVU, and 28.3 RVU to 103.2 RVU, respectively.