Food Technology Magazine | Innovation
A Lowly Legume Moves Into the Spotlight
This Food Science for Relief and Development article discusses the renewed attention that Bambara groundnut is receiving thanks to recent advances that have improved its potential to promote food security.
Women farmers harvest Bambara groundnuts. Photo by Kwekwe Photography, courtesy of Grow Further
Once overlooked, the Bambara groundnut, a nutritious and climate-resilient legume from West Africa, is finally getting the attention it deserves—from agricultural and food scientists alike.
This indigenous subsistence crop, cultivated for at least 200 years in Africa’s semi-arid regions, is valued for many reasons. Nutritionally, Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) is high in protein (15%–25% dry weight basis) and provides more iron and zinc (critically important nutrients in regions prone to m…
