An evaluation of germinating beans as a source of vitamin C in refugee foods

Abstract

Objective: To assess whether germinating pulses and beans are a potential source of vitamin C in rations for refugee communities with poor vitamin C status.

Design: High pressure liquid chromatographic assessment of vitamin C content of a range of legumes following germination in light and dark and after cooking.

Results: Many species of pulses produced significant quantities of vitamin C up to five days following germination in both light and dark although cooking caused a marked loss of ascorbate.

Conclusion: Germination of approximately half of the seeds of the pulse constituents of many basic rations would be likely to generate, within a 3–5 d germination period, sufficient ascorbate to provide the 10 mg needed to protect adults against the development of scurvy.

Sponsorship: Funded in part by the Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department (SOAEFD) while C Riddoch was registered for an MSc at the University of Aberdeen.