Comprehensive assessment of the quality of legume crops

This study conducted a comprehensive assessment of the quality and nutritional value of the main legume crops grown in Kazakhstan—soybean (“Zhansaya Elita”, “Aisaule Super Elita”), chickpea (“Nurly”), lentil (“Vekhovskaya”), and pea (“Shal”). The research included the determination of macronutrients, physicochemical and technological characteristics of the grains, lipid fraction quality indices, and bioactive compounds. The results showed that soybeans had the highest protein and fat contents (36.39–36.71% protein and 18.69–20.56% fat), while lower levels were observed in peas, chickpeas, and lentils. The highest starch contents were recorded in lentils (55.34%), peas (51.98%), and chickpeas (48.51%), whereas dietary fiber was most abundant in soybean varieties (14.18–15.59%). Ash content ranged from 2.09 to 3.65%, and pH values varied between 6.20 and 6.33, indicating good grain quality. Soybeans were also distinguished by higher levels of water-soluble antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamin E. The obtained results confirm the high nutritional value and functional properties of the studied legume samples, justifying their application in rational nutrition and the food industry, as well as their potential for the development of food products with enhanced biological and nutritional value.

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