Relationship between physicochemical and cooking properties, and effects of cooking on antinutrients, of yellow field peas (Pisum sativum)

The relationship between the physicochemical and cooking properties of yellow peas was examined in this study. A positive correlation was found between seed weight and water hydration capacity. The Peleg model, which was modified, could be used to describe the water absorption characteristics of peas and could be used to predict the rate of water absorption in the initial water absorption period. Cooking time could be measured objectively using the Mattson cooker. Cooking time was found to decrease with an increase in water hydration capacity. Hardness of cooked peas, measured using a texture analyser, was negatively correlated with both seed weight and water hydration capacity. Seed coats had a significant effect on water hydration and cooking quality of peas. Peas with relatively thin seed coats exhibited higher water hydration capacity, shorter cooking times and softer texture after cooking. The effects of soaking and cooking on trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) and oligosaccharide levels in peas were also studied. Cooking was more effective than soaking in reducing TIA levels and oligosaccharides (raffinose, stachyose and verbascose) in peas.