Proximate analysis of four food security legumes from eastern Nigeria

This study is aimed at evaluating the nutritional composition of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpe), wonderful kola (Buccholzia coricea) and Bambara nut (Vigna subterranea). Mature seeds of the four legumes were purchased from New Market in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. A portion of each seed was dried and milled while the other portion was boiled before drying and milling. The proximate compositions were determined. The results showed that raw and cooked wonderful kola has the lowest and highest protein content respectively. Raw wonderful kola and cooked pigeon pea contained the lowest fibre while raw pigeon pea has the highest fibre content. Raw and cooked wonderful kola has the highest and lowest ash content respectively. Raw wonderful kola and raw Bambara nut have the highest and lowest moisture content respectively. Raw wonderful kola and cooked Bambara nut are very rich in fat while raw pigeon pea has the lowest fat content. Raw wonderful kola and raw Bambara nut have the least and highest carbohydrate content respectively. The result of this study showed that the four legumes are has high nutritional composition. Thus they could serve as food supplement.