Effect of different sun-drying surfaces on the functional properties, cooking and insect infestation of cowpea seeds

Three traditional sun-drying surfaces, a wooden surface (WS), a corrugated iron sheet surface (CIS) and a cement surface (CS) were used to disinfect cowpea (Vigna ungiculata) seeds for 5 h in the sun. The values of foam capacity, fats and water absorption capacities, emulsion capacity, mould and insect infestations were lower in the dried samples than in the control. The wooden surface (WS) was the most effective sun-drying surface in terms of insect disinfestation, and functional-property retention. The water and fat absorption capacities and emulsifying activities were generally improved with storage. The cooking time was highly correlated (r = 0•987–0•993) with storage period for all the surfaces tested.