Chickpea

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Chick Peas in a honey sauce, a Guatemalan dessert.

Cicer arietinum noir

The chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is a yellow edible legume (bean). It can be used for cooking. The peas can be bought canned or dried. It was one of the earliest vegetables to be grown. The first chickpea was grown in the Middle East about 7,500 years ago.

The most popular place for chickpeas to grow is in Pakistan. In 2008, nearly 6 million tonnes of chickpeas were produced there. Because the growth is so popular there, it is also known as the Indian pea.

Chickpeas contain a great deal of protein, zinc and folic acid. They can be an important part of a vegetarian or vegan diet, since they come from a plant.

Hummus

A popular dish made from chickpeas is hummus.

Nutrition and Culinary Uses

• Chickpeas are a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, and are often used as a vegetarian and vegan alternative to meat. The beans are typically cooked and used in a variety of dishes, such as hummus, falafel, and stews.
• In addition to its culinary uses, chickpeas are also used in many different traditional medicines and remedies. The beans have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, such as digestive issues, inflammation, and diabetes.

Cultural Significance

• Chickpeas have played an important role in many different cultural and religious traditions around the world. The beans are a staple food in many different cuisines, such as Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean, and are often used in traditional dishes and festivals.
• In addition, chickpeas are an important symbol of many different cultural and religious traditions. The beans are often associated with fertility and prosperity, and are commonly used in rituals and ceremonies related to marriage, childbirth, and other important life events.

Production and Distribution

• Chickpeas are grown and consumed in many different countries around the world, with the largest producers including India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Ethiopia. The beans are typically harvested in the late summer and early fall, and can be dried and stored for long periods of time.
• Chickpeas are widely available in most grocery stores and supermarkets, and can be found in a variety of forms, such as canned, dried, or roasted. The beans are also commonly used in the production of flours, pastes, and other food products.

See also

• Legume
• Vegetarianism
• Mediterranean cuisine
• Traditional medicine