Valorization of Pea Pod (Pisum sativum L.) Waste: Application as a Functional Ingredient in Flatbreads

Legumes provide valuable functional properties, serving as rich sources of protein, minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidant compounds. This study evaluated the nutritional and antioxidant properties of pea pod powder (PPP) as a fortifying ingredient in flatbreads. The results indicate that PPP contains carbohydrates (55%), protein (16.7%), and dietary fiber (13.1%), with significant antioxidant properties (total polyphenol content: 463 mg GAE/100 g, total flavonoid content: 159 mg QE/100 g, DPPH radical scavenging activity: 166 mg AAE/100 g; IC₅₀: 2.31 mg/mL, chlorophyll a: 17.4 mg/100 g, chlorophyll b: 17.4 mg/100 g, and total chlorophyll: 32.6 mg/100 g). Rutin, chlorogenic acid, and p-coumaric acid were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD, with concentrations of 15.2, 2.94, and 6.60 mg/100 g, respectively. Flatbreads fortified with PPP at 5%w/w and 10%w/w showed increased thickness, reduced diameter and spread ratio, and enhanced antioxidant properties. However, consumer acceptance significantly declined at the 10%w/w level, likely due to off-flavors that affected sensory appeal.