Chemical composition of beach pea (Lathyrus maritimus L.) plant parts

Samples of beach pea (Lathyrus maritimus L.) seeds and plant parts were analyzed for their chemical composition, total and free amino acids as well as minerals. The crude protein content of plant parts was from 10.7–28.0%, soluble proteins from 190–709 mg/100 g, lipid from 1.3–6.0%, ash 2.2–6.8%, crude fibre 10.7–35.5%, soluble sugars 0.1–12.2%, starch 0.8–26.5%, carbohydrate 55.8–81.5% and phenolic compounds from 0.5–3.0%. The amino acid profile of proteins of seeds and other plant parts of beach pea showed that they were deficient in sulphur-containing amino acids. Tryptophan was another limiting amino acid in plant parts, except in leaves (1.35 g/16 g N). The content of free amino acids was highest in branches plus stems (3148 mg/100 g) and lowest in pod shells (151 mg/100 g). Beach pea plant parts were a good source of minerals such as K, P, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Al and Zn.