Chickpeas

Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are a type of legume that is consumed in many parts of the world. They are a key ingredient in many Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean dishes.

History

The chickpea has been cultivated for over 7,000 years and is believed to have originated in the Middle East. From there, it spread to India, Africa, and Europe. Today, the largest producers of chickpeas are India, Australia, and Pakistan.

Nutrition

Chickpeas are a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, folate, and certain dietary minerals such as iron and phosphorus. They also contain several important vitamins, including vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Due to their high protein content, chickpeas are a popular food choice among vegetarians and vegans.

Culinary uses

Chickpeas are used in a variety of dishes. They can be cooked and eaten cold in salads, cooked in stews, ground into a flour called gram flour, ground and shaped in balls and fried as falafel, stirred into a batter and baked to make farinata, cooked and ground into a paste for hummus, or roasted and spiced to eat as a snack.

Cultivation

Chickpeas are a hardy plant that grows in a variety of climates, from Mediterranean regions to highland tropical areas. They are typically planted in the spring and harvested in the late summer or early fall.

See also

• List of chickpea dishes
• Pulses
• Vegetarian cuisine