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Damage by insects and mould, proximate composition, cooking rate and functional properties of sun‐dried and stored cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seeds were evaluated. Cowpea samples spread between black polythene films were placed on cement (CS), Wooden (WS) and corrugated iron sheet (CIS) surfaces, respectively, and sun‐dried for 5 h. Storage lasted 6 months in jute and polythene bags. Results show that sun‐drying and storage in polythene bags significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the extent of insect and mould damage, moisture‐loss at drying, emulsion activity and stability, foaming capacity and foam stability. Treated cowpea seeds could be stored safely for about 5 months. In contrast, storage in jute bags significantly (p < 0.05) lowered only foam stability. Moisture loss during sun‐drying principally lengthened cooking time as storage duration progressed. Therefore, assessment of moisture content before and during storage is a preferred quality index of cowpea seeds stored in polythene bags. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry