Content and HCl-extractability of minerals as affected by acid treatment of pearl millet

Pearl millet seeds were subjected to acid treatment by soaking the grains in 0.2 N HCl for 6, 12, 18 and 24 h. In order to remove acid residues, the acid-soaked grains were washed thoroughly under running tap water, followed by blanching at 98 °C for 30 s, and then dried in the sun for 2 days. Efficacy of acid treatment of pearl millet on its mineral contents and HCl-extractability was studied. Mineral contents, especially phosphorus, calcium, and iron, were reduced with the increase in period of soaking of pearl millet in acid, but HCl-extractability improved to varying extents. Acid treatment was thus found to be an effective technique for improving the availability of minerals in pearl millet.