Surface area and volume of legume s

Surface area and volume of legume seeds is an important physical characteristic in processes such as harvesting, cleaning,separation, handling, aeration, drying, storing, milling, cooking and germination (Igathinathane and Chattopadhyay, 1998; Hsieh et al., 1998). The size and shape are important in electrostatic separation from undesirable materials and in the development of sizing and grading machinery (Mohsenin, 1970). Geometric parameters of legume seeds are important for germination process as well, bigger bean seeds germinate faster than smaller and medium ones (Kelli, 2007). Large seeded cultivars of azuki beans exhibit slower water absorption than smaller ones. Cultivars of faba beans and chickpeas require longer cooking times than small
seeded cultivars (Hsieh et al., 1998).