Mineral concentrations in the embryo and seed coat of common bean cultivars

The distribution of calcium, potassium, iron, zinc and copper in the embryo and seed coat fractions of 16 common bean cultivars of the Middle American and Andean gene pools, obtained in two crop cycles, was investigated. Genetic factors affected the accumulation of minerals in the embryo and seed coat. Common bean seeds contained over 94.5% calcium in their seed coat and from 76.0 to 89.7% potassium in their embryo. Iron, zinc and copper concentrations varied widely between the embryo and seed coat fractions in different cultivars. The BRS Supremo cultivar has a high concentration of calcium (1044 mg 100 g−1 dry matter [DM]) and iron (24.88 mg 100 g−1 DM) in its seeds, whereas the Iraí cultivar stands out for its potassium (1720 mg 100 g−1 DM), zinc (6.51 mg 100 g−1 DM) and copper (0.47 mg 100 g−1 DM) concentrations. The BRS Supremo and the Iraí cultivars have high nutritional value, and their dietary use is therefore recommended.