The revitalisation of native grain legumes

Peer-reviewed | Manuscript received: November 27, 2012 | Revision accepted: January 20, 2013

Survey on buying habits and assessment of image of legumes

Introduction

Grain legumes (pulses) can be important human foods, as they provide proteins and secondary plant metabolites, particularly flavonoids [1–3]. Increasing attention has recently been paid to plant proteins, as these not only provide essential amino acids, but are also considered to have physiological effects, such as reducing cholesterol and blood sugar. Initial results have already been reported for some pulse proteins, including products isolated from soya (Glycine max L.) or lupins (Lupinus L.), the broad bean (Vicia faba L.) and peas (Pisum sativum L.) [4–8].

Nevertheless, the cultivation and breeding of domestic grain legumes have gradually decreased in recent decades. The cultivation area has been dropping for years and breeding programs have been cancelled [9, 10]. Practical agricultural arguments against the cultivation of domestic grain legumes include difficulties in marketing and poor animal performance if they are used directly [11].

Summary

Grain legumes (pulses) are healthy protein sources, and their cultivation is not very demanding. Nonetheless, they are becoming less important – especially the domestic varieties – as it is difficult to market them. Thus, the present study aims at establishing how well grain legumes are accepted and identifying the relevant factors.
In order to minimise the bias of the findings, a qualitative study supported by interview guidelines was carried out with 103 participants in Berlin and Munich. The study found that price, freshness, health and ecological aspects were the most important selling points. On the other hand, it was concluded that customers hardly look at product characteristics. Grain legumes are generally accepted to be healthy – negative associations such as flatulence are of comparatively little importance.
In order to improve grain legumes marketing, it is recommended that leaflets should be prepared to explain the benefits they provide to health and the environment. It would also be desirable to improve the packaging and to introduce point-of-sale advertising.

Keywords: Grain legumes, pulses, consumer survey, consumer acceptance, buying habits, image assessment 

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