Physical characteristics, nutrients, and antinutrients composition of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) grown in Indonesia

Abstract

Pigeon pea is an underutilized legume in Indonesia. Information about the physical characteristics, nutrients, and antinutrients composition of pigeon pea is needed to develop pigeon pea-based food products. This research aimed to evaluate the physical characteristics, nutrients, and antinutrients composition of pigeon pea grown in different regions of Indonesia, i.e., Bali, Yogyakarta, and Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB). The results showed that the physical characteristics, nutrients, and antinutrients composition differed significantly. The weight of pigeon pea seeds ranged from 7.49-13.29 g/100 seeds, hydration capacity was 0.07-0.15 g/seed, hydration index was 0.90-1.14, swelling capacity varied from 0.06-0.15 mL/seed, and the swelling index was 1.06-1.54. Pigeon pea was a potential source of protein (23.96-24.20%) and starch (40.55-42.80%). The highest protein content was found in pigeon pea from Yogyakarta, whereas the highest starch content was found in pigeon pea from NTB. The contents of vitamin C, E, A varied from 25.13-28.21 mg/100 g, 67.44-100.51 mg/100 g, and 1,248.83-2,303.86 µg/100 g, respectively. Potassium was the most abundant mineral in pigeon pea (479.66-1.455.51 mg/100 g). Pigeon pea from Yogyakarta had the highest phytic acid content, HCN, tannins at 841.24 ppm, 46.60 ppm, and 378.45 mg/100 g, respectively.