Germination conditions influence the physical characteristics, isoflavones, and vitamin C of soybean sprouts

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of the germination conditions of 'BRS 216' soybean (Glycine max) on the length, yield, and isoflavone contents of sprouts. A 23 factorial arrangement was used to evaluate the variables soaking time, irrigation frequency, and germination time. Sprouts that showed better length and yield and higher isoflavone contents were evaluated for their chemical composition and vitamin C content. Soaking and germination time of soybean showed a positive and significant linear effect on sprout length. However, only germination time showed a significant positive linear effect on yield, and a significant negative linear effect on the content of malonylglycosides, aglycones, and total isoflavones. Soybean germination conditions were established at 6 hours of soaking, three days of germination, and 8 hours of irrigation frequency. Under these conditions, the obtained sprouts show a more preserved chemical composition, besides higher contents of β-glycosides, malonylglycosides, aglycones, total isoflavones, and vitamin C than the nongerminated soybean. Under suitable germination conditions, it is possible to produce soybean sprouts with better physical characteristics, higher yield, and higher contents of isoflavones, aglycones, and vitamin C.