NMR and LC-MS assessment of compound variability of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) stored under controlled atmosphere

As the chemical profiling of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) modify according to storage conditions, the aim of this study was to analyze the physicochemical parameters and composition variability of the cotyledon by NMR, and coat by LC-MS, all submitted to different storage atmosphere of O2, CO2, and humidity. Through NMR, chemometrics along with metabolite pathway analysis it is observed the overexpression of the saccharides sucrose (from 2.30 ± 0.32 to 2.71 ± 0.14 g/100 g), raffinose (from 0.86 ± 0.04 to 1.02 ± 0.07 g/100 g), and stachyose (from 3.37 ± 0.12 to 4.13 ± 0.28 g/100 g) in stored beans (regardless atmosphere conditions), indicating changing on galactose, and starch and sucrose pathways that are intrinsically linked to germination and sprouting processes. Those mechanisms seem to be partially activated after 6 months since amino acids or lipid metabolism were not affected. Therefore, storage conditions induce the role in regulating the germination and sprouting processes but do not affect the germination capability of the seeds (data not shown). The beans stored in low humidity showed less luminosity and chroma values, and relative reduction of proanthocyanidin B-type dimer, epi-catechin, and kaempferol, which indicate darkening when submitted to high humidity with controlled atmosphere. •Physicochemical parameters and composition variability of the cotyledon by NMR and coat by LC-MS.•Saponin-type substances increase after controlled atmosphere.•Additional seven days of storage at ambient conditions restored the bean metabolism.•Relative humidity was the most important parameter for bean quality control.•Chemometrics was valuable tool for evaluation of common beans under different storage conditions.