[Effect of pectinase and cellulase addition on in vitro digestibility of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)].

Effect of commercial pectinase and cellulase addition on in vitro digestibility of two common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties, black (Brunca) and red (Chirripó), was measured. Constant conditions of pH (6.3-6.4), time (60 min), and temperature (40 degrees C) were held, and three enzyme concentrations were tested: 0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0% m/m. In vitro digestibility increases for black beans were 6.9%; 9.5% and 12.3% (p < 0.05), and for red beans were 8.9%; 10.2% and 12.9% (p < 0.05), with increasing pectinase concentration. Effects of cellulase were dependent upon both, enzyme concentration and bean variety. In vitro digestibility of red beans increased by 5.7%; 9.2% and 12.0% with increasing cellulase concentration; digestibility of black beans increased by less than 5%. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in general acceptance of enzyme treated beans (black or red) or nontreated beans was noted.