Legume Processing

Abstract

Legumes have been known as foodplants, apart from cereals, for a long time. In many countries great importance is attached to pulses for human consumption, especially with a view to their richness in protein. Beans, peas and lentils belong to the genus of legumes. A seed grain consists in particular of two cotyledons. The seed coat envelopes the cotyledons as well as the germ. The various kinds of beans, peas and lentils differ considerably in grain size and shape as well as in thickness and strength of their husks. This fact must be given consideration when selecting equipment for a processing plant. Only mature seeds are used in industrial processing. Offals obtained are reprocessed for utilization as animal feed.