Pulse products:
The important processed pulse products are puffed chickpea and pea, besan, papads, pulse-based weaning foods, quick cooking dhals, and canned dry peas
Oilseeds
Like pulses, oilseeds and nuts are rich in protein and in addition, they contain a high level of fat. At present, India accounts for 9.6% of world's total output of oilseeds. The major oilseeds produced in the country include groundnut, rapeseed/mustard, castor seeds, sesamum, nigerseed, linseed, safflower, sunflower and soybean. However, groundnut, rapeseed/mustard and soybean accounts for a major chunk of the output.
Primary processing of oilseeds
Oilseeds are the major sources of edible oil. Edible oilseed meals (cakes) obtained from oilseeds are often highly nutritious and can be used for either animal or human food. The residual oilcake has been used for the preparation of protein foods for feeding the infants and preschool children in developing countries.
There are four main steps involved in the preparation of oil and edible meal from oilseeds:
1. Preparation of the raw material
2. Oil Extraction
3. Clarification
4. Packaging and storage