Advanced and feasible pulses processing technologies for Ethiopia to achieve better economic and nutritional goals: A review

BACKGROUND: Pulses are the dried seeds of the Leguminosae family that serve as cheaper proteins, particularly in developing countries. They contain proteins ranging 20–25%. Pulses play important roles in the farming systems and in the diets of poor people. They are ideal crops for simultaneously achieving three key developmental goals: reducing poverty, improving human health, and enhancing ecosystem sustainability. The year 2016 was declared as the year of pulses by the United Nations. These growing global attentions given to legumes has resulted in increasing their nutritional and economic desirability. OBJECTIVES: This review presents the potential of pulses processing in Ethiopia for enhanced nutritional and economic outcomes. Pulses are important foods and export commodity in Ethiopia, which are exported in unprocessed form, fetching low returns. DATA AND DISCUSSIONS: There are advanced but simple pulses processing technologies that include concentrating or isolation of proteins for nutritional and other uses. Pin milling of legumes and air classification of the flour helps to obtain protein concentrate of 60–75% purity. Protein isolation by alkaline extraction and isoelectric precipitation results in proteins of 90–95% purity. Legume proteins are mainly globulins and albumins that are nutritionally of great quality. The protein products are being texturized by thermal and mechanical means to make meat analogues, substitutes and extenders. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: Ethiopia being one of the significant legume producers, can benefit from this growing market by adopting the processing technologies and exporting premium quality plant proteins. This help Ethiopia satisfy domestic protein needs for child nutrition. This review summarizes the potentials for developing pulses processing technologies in Ethiopia for better economic and nutritional benefits.