What are pulses?
Pulses, also known as legumes, are the edible seeds of leguminous plants
cultivated for food. Dried beans, lentils, and peas are the most commonly
known and consumed types of pulses.
Staples dishes and cuisines from across the world feature pulses, from hummus
in the Mediterranean (chick peas), to a traditional full English breakfast
(baked navy beans) to Indian dal (peas or lentils).
Pulses do not include crops that are harvested green (e.g. green peas, green
beans)—these are classified as vegetable crops. Also excluded are those crops
used mainly for oil extraction (e.g. soybean and groundnuts) and leguminous
crops that are used exclusively for sowing purposes (e.g. seeds of clover and
alfalfa).
Virtual Event
The celebration this year under the theme #LovePulses for a healthy diet and
planet will be an opportunity to raise awareness and recognize the
contribution of pulses to sustainable food systems and healthy diets. The
event will take place virtually on 10 February 2021, 1.10 – 2.30 p.m. (EST).
Why are pulses important crops?
Nutritional value
They are packed with nutrients and have a high protein content, making them
an ideal source of protein particularly in regions where meat and dairy are
not physically or economically accessible. Pulses are low in fat and rich in
soluble fiber, which can lower cholesterol and help in the control of blood
sugar. Because of these qualities, they are recommended by health
organizations for the management of non-communicable diseases like diabetes
and heart conditions. Pulses have also been shown to help combat obesity.
Food security
For farmers, pulses are an important crop because they can both sell them
and consume them, which helps farmers maintain household food security and
creates economic stability.
Environmental benefits
The nitrogen-fixing properties of pulses improve soil fertility, which
increases and extends the productivity of the farmland. By using pulses for
intercropping and cover crops, farmers can also promote farm biodiversity
and soil biodiversity, while keeping harmful pests and diseases at bay.
Furthermore, pulses can contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing
dependence on the synthetic fertilizers used to introduce nitrogen
artificially into the soil. Greenhouse gases are released during the
manufacturing and application of these fertilizers, and their overuse can be
detrimental to the environment.
World Pulses Day Facts
- Pulses are considered a superfood. They have zero cholesterol, low fat, and they are a great source of protein and fiber. According to pulses.org, pulses are also one of the most cost-effective proteins. It is estimated that one serving costs just $0.10.
- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN recognizes 11 different types of pulses: dry beans, dry broad beans, dry peas, chickpeas, cow peas, pigeon peas, lentils, Bambara beans, vetches, lupins, and pulses nes (not elsewhere specified).
- According to pulses.org, the first evidence of pulses dates back 11,000 years ago to the Fertile Crescent. This is a region in the Middle East that was home to early human civilizations.
- Pulses with the most protein per 1/2 cup are:
1) Great Norther Beans - 9.7 grams
2) Lentils - 9 grams
3) Split Peas - 8.2 grams
4) Black Beans - 7.6 grams
