EFFECT OF SOAKING AND GERMINATION ON NUTRIENT AND ANTINUTRIENT CONTENTS OF FENUGREEK (TRIGONELLA FOENUM GRAECUM L.)

Abstract

Fenugreek seeds (raw, soaked and germinated) were analyzed for their chemical composition. Raw fenugreek seeds contained higher amount of dietary fiber 46.50% followed by 42.12% in soaked seeds and 32.50% in germinated seeds. Soaking reduced the level of total soluble sugars, reducing sugars, nonreducing sugars, dietary fiber and improved the protein and starch digestibility and availability of minerals. Germinated fenugreek seeds had significantly higher contents of total protein (29%) and total lysine (6.48 g/100 g protein) compared to unprocessed seeds. Germination decreased dietary fiber and starch thereby raising the level of sugars. In vitro starch and protein digestibility and availability of Ca, Fe and Zn were also increased appreciably due to reduction in antinutrient contents (phytic acid and polyphenols) after 48 h germination.