Effects of infestation on the nutrient content and physiocochemical properties of two cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) varieties

Two cowpea varieties (Ife-brown and Kano-white varieties) were used for the study. The effects of insect infestation on the chemical composition and p hysicochemical properties of these cowpea seeds were studied. The proximate composition, mineral content, total starch, total soluble sugars, bulk den sity, fat and water absorption capacities, viscosity, gelation capacity and emulsion properties of infested cowpea varieties were compared with those of uninfested cowpeas. Effects of infestation on nitrogen solubulity and on the protein fractions were also determined. lnfestation depleted the prote in, starch and soluble sugar contents of cowpeas. Oil and water absorption capacities were increased while emulsification, foam and viscosity properti es were reduced. The nitrogen solubility pattern was altered. Uninfested Ka no-white cowpeas (UKW) possessed better foam properties than uninfested Ife -brown cowpeas (UFB). On the other hand, UFB had better emulsification prop erties than UKW.