Comparative assessment of organic and non-organic – chickpea and cowpea, nutritional composition and antinutrients upon germination

The nutrient, fatty acid, and antinutrient composition of chickpea and cowpea obtained from organic (org) source and subjected to germination were evaluated in comparison with non-organic (n-org) counterpart. Fat content (range, 2.04-5.89 %) of n-org legumes were higher. Germination significantly reduced the fat content in cowpea, though in chickpea no difference was seen, whereas, for ash and protein, it was vice versa. Dietary fiber content differed significantly between org (22.82 %) and n-org (20.23 %) chickpea. Mineral contents of org chickpea and n-org cowpea were higher. Germination significantly reduced the mineral content, except for copper and phosphorous. Differences in the fatty acid content of org and n-org samples were observed. Linoleic acid was the predominant fatty acid in chickpea (58.88-62.75 %) and cowpea (36.08-40.43 %). In cowpea, germination significantly decreased the palmitic and α-linoleic acid and increased stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids whereas, in chickpea, no differences were seen. The TPUFA content was higher in germinated cowpea, whereas in chickpea it was unchanged. The enzyme activity (phytase, amylase, and protease) increased significantly upon germination and no significant differences between org and n-org legumes were observed. Phytic acid (PA) and saponin content of the org legumes was lower than n-org. Germination significantly reduced the PA content. The molar ratios of PA: minerals significantly improved upon germination indicating a better availability of iron and calcium. Significant differences between org and n-org legumes were observed, but no particular trend was seen to prove that org legumes are better in nutritional quality than n-org legumes.