Chickpeas

Products

Dried chickpeas are available in, for example, grocery stores and specialty stores. Various other products such as chickpea flour, snacks and pre-cooked chickpeas are on sale.

Stem plant

The annual chickpea belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae). It has been cultivated for thousands of years. Today, India is by far the largest producer.

Plant parts

Mainly the seeds freed from the pods and dried are used.

Ingredients

Chickpeas are rich in proteins and carbohydrates and contain amino acids, fats, fiber, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. They are nutritious and are a staple food in many countries. Cooked chickpeas have a caloric value of 164 kcal per 100 g.

Applications

As food, for example, for stew, salad, soups, hummus (with sesame paste), falafel, breads, sweets and many regional specialties. They are also appreciated for vegetarian and vegan diets and as feed for animals.

Preparation

Dried chickpeas are soaked in water for about 12 hours and then boiled until soft for up to another hour. They are also consumed fried, sweetened, fermented and puffed. Furthermore, they can be allowed to sprout.

Adverse effects

Chickpeas are healthy. Possible adverse effects include indigestion and allergic reactions. The seeds should not be eaten raw.