Abstract

The Utilization of Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus DC.)

As One of Alternative Foodstuff to Replace the Dependency of Soybean in Indonesia

Achmad Dimyati, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture,

Faculty of Agriculture, Bogor Agricultural University

Winged Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus DC.) is one of Leguminales. Winged bean is an indigenous tropical plant which has an abundance number in agricultural country like Indonesia, but this plant has not been widely recognized by society. Winged bean is a plant which has high protein content similar to soybeans, which has 43% of protein in its dry matter. Winged bean plant’s parts can be fully utilized. Fruit (especially seeds) is a source of protein and contains vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and carbohydrates. The protein of winged bean contains high amount of amino acid lysine, reaching 413-600 mg per 100 g of N, whereas in soybean is only 399 mg per 100 g N. Lysine content in it can be utilized to cover the shortage of lysine on staple food such as rice, maize, and tubers. Winged bean seed oil is rich in tocopherol, which is about 125.9 mg, which acts as an antioxidant. Winged bean contains 32.80 g of protein, 17 g of fat, and 36.50 g of carbohydrate per 100 g of dry matter. Potential of winged bean will be greater if being developed further. It can be an alternative commodity to replace soybean due to its high price and low productivity. Each hectare of land can produce 35 tones of winged bean, while only 2-3 tons of soybeans. This can be used as a discourse to reduce the proliferation of soybean imports for the countries of Southeast Asia especially Indonesia by using local products.

Keyword(s): Winged Bean, Alternative, Soy Bean, Foodstuff