Geometric Characteristics and Mass-Volume-Area Properties of Haricot Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): Effect of Variety

Abstract

The geometric characteristics and mass-volume-area properties of haricot beans are essential for the design of equipment for harvesting, handling, drying, storing, dehulling, processing, and packaging. This study was carried out to determine the effect of variety on the geometric characteristics and mass-volume-area properties of four improved haricot beans varieties. The moisture content, 1000 seed mass, and true density of beans varied significantly (p < .05) in the range of 9–11.28%, 199.9–529.93 g, and 1127.52–1212.40 Kg/m3, respectively. The dimensional properties of the improved haricot bean were significant (p < .05) among the varieties, indicating that these would require some variation in the processing equipment design. Hydration capacity varied significantly from 0.14 to 0.36 g/seed among the improved haricot bean varieties. The hydration index also displayed significant differences among the varieties. Significant differences were observed in hydration coefficient and swelling capacity among the varieties and varied from 1.71% to 1.77% and 0.28 to 0.81 mL/seed, respectively.