Caractérisation physicochimique des graines de quatorze variétés de niébé (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) de Côte d'Ivoire/[Physiochemical characterization of seeds of fourteen varieties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) from Côte d'Ivoire]

Cowpea is a legume consumed in Côte d'Ivoire. There are many cultivars whose seeds are widely available. This study aimed to determine some physicochemical characteristics of seeds of fourteen cowpea cultivars in order to identify differences and as soon as possible, select the best cultivars for the suitable uses. Parameters such as moisture, ash, protein, fat, total carbohydrates and energy value were determined following conventional methods. To appreciate the differences and identify cultivars with the best characteristics for the areas of intended use, chemometric methods were used. The results revealed that the seeds are energy foods (368.92 ± 4.71 kcal / 100 g), rich in protein (21.22 ± 0.69%) and carbohydrates (63.82 ± 1.12%). On the other hand, they showed low fat (3.19 ± 0.60%), ash (4.12 ± 0.26%) and moisture (7.61 ± 0.77%) contents. The low moisture content could facilitate the conservation of seeds for a relatively long period. Differences were observed between the physicochemical parameters of the analyzed cultivars seeds. The B3N12P4 cultivar which recorded the highest ash content (4.90 ± 0.05) could be used in food fortification. White cultivar (B1N19P5) recorded the highest protein content (23.31 ± 0.03%). Therefore, its seeds could be used to supplement traditional foods and be recommended in the field of composite flours. The use of seeds in these areas could help reduce the protein-deficiency in some poor populations affected by energy and protein diseases.