Technological and sensory potential of creole cowpea: a study for consumption appreciation

Abstract

Creole grains come from seed selected by farmers, therefore, such seed show rusticity and high genetic variability, which suggests their ability to adapt to local conditions, allowing of farmers´autonomy. The objective of this work was to evaluate cowpea creole grains for their physicochemical, technological, and sensory properties, besides seeking the rescue and the consumption appreciation of these grains because of their importance combined with the search for healthy foods. The accessions of cowpea ‘Argentino 148’ and ‘Mamoninha 79’ were grown in an experimental area of Embrapa Clima Temperado, in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. ‘Mamoninha 79’ can be considered a high protein food which shows rapid hydration. ‘Argentino 148’ shows six-minute cooking time and less hardness, which is a very important parameter for texture and for consumer acceptance. The samples of ‘Argentino 148’ showed higher averages for sensory attributes of softness, tegument rupture, a sweet and characteristic taste, and uniform color and broth viscosity. Therefore, creole grains are a promising alternative to increase the supply of bioactive compounds for human diet, besides showing positive sensory characteristics, such as displaying a pleasant taste to the palate and soft texture.