Abstract

Gloria N. Elemo, Babajide O. Elemo ,Olufunmilola O. Oladunmoye and Ochuko L. Erukainure

The nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of the African locust bean (ALB) was evaluated, with the aim of providing data that will guide the effective utilization of it under exploited tropical legume in food applications. Seeds of the African locust bean were depulped, dehulled, dehydrated and defatted. Chemical analyses were carried out using standard methods. Anti-nutritional factors, mineral analysis, fatty acid composition and free amino acid composition were also determined. The results obtained showed it to be a good source of potassium and phosphorus. A high unsaturated-saturated fatty acid ratio was observed, with linoleic acid having the highest level. Unlike most other legumes, it has appreciable quantity of sulphur-containing amino acids and thus ideal for the fortification applications with various food formulations.