[Nutritional evaluation and accelerated storage at 37 degrees C of fried bean and corn mixtures]

Nutritive value of corn and beans is limited by the deficiency in some aminoacids; so, the combination of both of them might be very advantageous from a nutritional point of view. A research with the following purposes was done: to improve the biological value of corn and bean through the formulation of mixes of fried kernels; and, to know the shelf life of the mixes during an accelerated storage period. Fried kernels mixes, in a ratio of 50:50%, from three varieties of bean (Pinto 114, Suave 85 and Tortola Inia) and dent yellow corn were made; protein value of the mixes was evaluated. Mixes were store at 37 degrees C during 15 days, determining every five days, their peroxides and moisture content and their water activity. All the mixes got values of NPR-Rel higher than 80%; the best one was Suave 85/corn with a value of 88.2% which indicates an improving of the protein quality. The stored products showed along the whole period, low values for peroxides (3.25-6.12 meq/kg oil) which might allow a shelf life of 90 days at room temperature; also, moisture content and water activity were low assuring microbial stability.