Nutrient composition and amino acid pattern of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp, Fabaceae) grown in the Gizan area of Saudi Arabia.

The proximate composition, grain protein, minerals, amino acid and sugar profiles of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp were analyzed. The crude protein was 23%, fat 3.40% and ash 3.60%. Amino acid analysis indicated the presence of at least 17 amino acids including most of the essential ones. The essential amino acids valine, leucine, phenylalanine and lysine were slightly higher, but sulphur-containing amino acids were lower than recommended in the WHO/FAO requirement pattern. Qualitative phytochemical screening of seeds showed fructose, alpha-glucose, beta-glucose, glycerol, manitol, inositol and some oligosaccharides, e.g. raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose. The grain contained almost similar amount of phosphorus as compared with that of Lebanese and Pakistani cultivars. Calcium was found to be lower as compared to some Indian, Pakistani and Lebanese cultivars. In general the results indicated that the legume is nutritive as staple food, feed and/or fodder.