Abstract Pulses are an essential component of our diet especially in developing world, information
on their physical properties is needed for designing the machines, while cooking quality is important
for consumer acceptance. Four kidney bean cultivars were evaluated for their composition, physical,
cooking and textural properties. Protein, ash and carbohydrate contents varied significantly
(P 6 0.05) in the range of 22.3–26.7%, 3.5–3.8% and 62.1–65.9%, respectively. Physical properties
determined at 10.0% moisture revealed that the length, breadth, thickness and equivalent diameter
of seeds varied significantly in the range of 11.45–16.45 mm, 6.65–7.00 mm, 4.70–6.13 mm and
7.31–9.24 mm, respectively. Bulk density varied from 0.78 to 0.81 g/mL and angle of repose from
15.20 to 18.67. Hydration capacity and swelling capacity of the seeds varied significantly in the
range of 0.12–0.42 g/seed and 0.09–0.28 mL/seed, respectively. Cooking time of unsoaked seeds differed
significantly from 68.67 to 86.67 min. Soaking of seeds reduced cooking time by 15.33–
30.67 min.