Changes in the biochemical and functional properties of the extruded hard-to-cook cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Changes in the biochemical and functional properties of the hard-to-cook cowpea bean after treatment by the extrusion process are reported. The extrusion was carried out at 150 °C, with a compression ratio screw of 3:1, a 5-mm die, and a screw speed of 150 r.p.m. The extrusion caused the complete inactivation of the α-amylase and lectin and it also reduced the trypsin inhibitor activity (38.2%) and phytic acid content (33.2%). The functional properties were also modified by the process, an increase of 2.5 times in the water absorption index and 3.1% in the water solubility were observed. The digestibility of the hard-to-cook flour of the cowpea bean was improved after the extrusion, with a 55.9% increase in protein digestibility and a 5.9% increase in starch digestibility.