Evaluation Of The Quality Characteristics Of The Marama Bean (tylosema Esculentum), An Underutilized Grain And Tuber Producing Legume In Southern Africa

ABSTRACT The potential of the Marama bean plant, Tylosema esculentum (Burch.) Schreiber, a drought-tolerant, bean–bearing legume, native to Southern Africa, was investigated to potentially form part of a food-based approach in rural agricultural extension programmes. Nutrient content and sensory attributes of roasted Marama beans were determined as well as the potential of the Marama plant as fodder for cattle. Chemical analyses were performed on roasted Namibia and Botswana Marama beans to determine the nutritional content thereof. The beans contain high levels of protein, unsaturated fats, …