With around 20,000 described species, legumes are one of the largest and most ecologically significant plant families. They are among the most ancient cultivated plants worldwide and represent the third largest plant family, following orchids and composite flowers. Legumes are a member of the Fabaceae family, which is considered to be one of the most species-rich plant families, comprising over 700 genera.
Legumes have become an integral part of both the food industry and agriculture as animal feed. From a nutritional perspective, they are characterized by a high content of protein ranging from 25 to 55%, fiber, B vitamins, and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Large-grain legumes such as beans, peas, peanuts, chickpeas, lentils, lupins, and soybeans are a fundamental component of the human plant-based diet. These products have become indispensable as a basis for meat substitutes and in vegan and vegetarian diets. Whereas legumes such as clover and alfalfa are used as essential feed for domestic and farm animals.
Plant-based proteins are trending – Growing demand for plant-based protein sources and food alternatives in Germany
The number of individuals in Germany who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet has increased in recent years. According to the National Nutrition Monitoring by the Max Rubner Institute (MRI), approximately 4% of Germans are vegetarians, while about 1% are vegans.
This development can be attributed to a number of factors. In addition to increased awareness of climate change and human health, as well as the desire for animal welfare, considerations of sustainability and regional aspects play a central role.
With changes in dietary habits, there has been an increase in demand for alternative protein sources. Due to their versatility, legumes have been making a comeback recently, particularly within the food industry.
Detection of legumes via real-time PCR
As a plant-based source of protein, legumes have become an indispensable part of modern, health-conscious and environmentally conscious diets. In addition to providing essential nutrients, they contribute to a reduction in the ecological footprint of food. Legumes are a versatile ingredient that can be used as a meat substitute, incorporated into snacks, or as a food base – they are an allrounder that combine health, culinary enjoyment, and environmental sustainability.
The increased consumption of legumes necessitates greater responsibility. Because behind these small pulses lies a major issue: food safety. That is precisely why transparency and control is of importance in the food industry.
For the direct, qualitative detection and differentiation of specific DNA sequences from legumes, bean and pea CONGEN offers the SureFood® 4plex LEGUMES (Art. No. S7008) real-time PCR test. This real-time PCR assay can be performed with commonly used real-time PCR instruments, equipped for detection of four fluorescence emissions at the channels FAM, VIX/HEX, ROX and Cy5 at the same time.
Alfalfa is widely regarded as a multi-talented crop in the agricultural sector. The plant is primarily recognised for its use as fodder, while it only played a minor role in human nutrition to date.
Nevertheless, the sprouts of the plant are used as toppings for salads or sandwiches, as a powder in smoothies, or as a dietary supplement. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, and due to its high protein content, fiber, minerals, and enzymes, alfalfa is considered a secret superfood with potential for promoting intestinal health and strengthening the immune system.
Therefore, CONGEN offers the real-time PCR Kit SureFood® ALFALFA (Art. No. S7072) for the direct, qualitative detection of alfalfa in food and feed.
Although legumes are popular in plant-based diets, some types of legumes are among the 14 most common allergens that must be labelled – particularly peanuts, lupins and soybeans. Even the smallest amount has the potential to induce severe allergic reactions. For manufacturers, this signifies that the labelling of products is mandatory under EU Regulation 1169/2011.
In order to guarantee product safety and ensure compliance with the labelling requirements in accordance with EU Regulation 1169/2011, CONGEN has developed a series of real-time PCR kits. These kits are designated as SureFood® ALLERGEN Soya (Art. No. S3601), SureFood® ALLERGEN Peanut
(Art. No. S3603), and SureFood® ALLERGEN Lupin (Art. No. S3611), and are designed for qualitative and/or quantitative detection.
The accompanying product-related documents for each real-time PCR kit can be downloaded here.