The morama bean (Tylosema esculentum): a potential crop for southern Africa.

Abstract

The morama bean is an underutilized leguminous oilseed native to the Kalahari Desert and neighboring sandy regions of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa (Limpopo, North-West, Gauteng, and Northern Cape provinces), and forms part of the diet of the indigenous population in these countries. It is also known as gemsbok bean, moramaboontjie, elandboontjie, braaiboonjie, marama, marumana, tsi, tsin, gami, and ombanui. It is reported as an excellent source of good quality protein (29-39%); its oil (24-48%) is rich in mono- and di-unsaturated fatty acids and contains no cholesterol. Morama is a good source of micronutrients such as calcium, iron, zinc, phosphate, magnesium, and B vitamins including folate. It is also reported to be a potential source of phytonutrients including phenolic compounds (e.g., tannins), trypsin inhibitors, phytates, and oligosaccharides, components which have been shown in other foods to contribute to health in particular, prevention of noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some cancers. From a nutritional and health perspective, the morama bean has potential commercial value as a cash crop and value-added products, particularly in the communities where it is found.

• Authors: Jose C Jackson, Kwaku G Duodu, Mette Holse, Margarida D Lima de Faria, Danie Jordaan, Walter Chingwaru, Aase Hansen, Avrelija Cencic, Martha Kandawa-Schultz, Selalelo M Mpotokwane, Percy Chimwamurombe, Henrietta L de Kock, Amanda Minnaar
• Journal: Advances in food and nutrition research (Adv Food Nutr Res) Vol. 61 Pg. 187-246 ( 2010) ISSN: 1043-4526 [Print] United States
• PMID: 21092905 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Soil

Topics

• Africa, Southern
• Consumer Behavior
• Crops, Agricultural (chemistry, economics, growth & development)
• Fabaceae (chemistry, economics, growth & development)
• Food Preferences
• Food-Processing Industry (education)
• Health Promotion
• Humans
• Nutritive Value
• Poverty Areas
• Seeds (chemistry, growth & development)
• Soil (chemistry)