Author : Falayi F.r. [ Volume No.:VI, Issue No.VI-Nov 2017] [Page No : 779-783] [2017]

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an important bean which serves as a major source of protein in the absence of sufficient animal protein for the human being. Studies have revealed that stored cowpea deteriorates very fast when kept in household storage materials and this study aimed to determine storability of cowpea using four household storage materials namely; jute bag, plastic container, polythene bag and hessian bag to determine the most appropriate material for the storage of the produce. Cowpea was stored in these materials for ten weeks and proximate composition of the stored cowpea was determined using standard AOAC methods. The amount of ash ranged between 4.53% and 5.08%, the crude fibre content ranged between 1.53% and 2.18%, the amount of fat was found to be 5.81%, 5.34%, 5.20%, and 5.67% for jute bag, plastic container, polythene bag and hessian bag respectively. The crude protein was found to be 23.24%, 22.70%, 25.08%, and 25.29% for jute bag, plastic container, polythene bag and hessian bag respectively. Relative humidity in jute bag, plastic container, polythene bag and hessian bag was found to be 85.71%, 85.28%, 84.80%, and 86.42% respectively. The moisture content in the stored products ranged between 12.05% and 13.69% with materials stored in polythene having the smallest value of moisture content. It was also observed that cowpea stored in polythene bags had the lowest case of weevil infestation. It was concluded that polythene bag appeared to be the best household storage material for cowpea and should be encouraged at household levels to increase the shelf life and prevent deterioration.