Amazing Facts About ChickPea

Amazing Facts About ChickPea

Left: Bengal variety; right: European variety 

Cicer arietinum
Fabaceae
Papilionaceae
Chickpeas also known as sanagalu,chana,Bengal Gram, garbanzos or ceci (pronounce chee-chee) beans are an ancient crop that has been grown in the Middle East, India and parts of Africa for over 7,000 years. They are small, cream-colored, mild flavored legumes. Chickpeas are popular in many of world cuisines such as Middle Eastern, Indian, Italian, Spanish and Latin America.

Excellent source of protein
(In school lunch these can count as either a vegetable component or protein/meat alternate component)
Contains complex carbohydrates and fiber 
Good source of vitamin B6, C and zinc 

FUN FACTS!
Chickpeas

1. Did you know?.

2. Did you know chickpeas can be used in salads, soups, dips,and pasta or grain dishes?

3. Did you know chickpeas are used to make hummus, a thick spread used on crackers or bread?

(Hummus is commonly eaten by vegetarians since it is a good source of protein. It is a Middle Eastern dip. Hummus is chickpeas that are mashed and combined with lemon juice, oil, crushed sesame seeds and garlic.)

4. Did you know chickpeas are used in a popular Middle Eastern dish called falafel?
(To prepare this dish beans are mashed and formed into balls and then deep fried.) 

5. Did you know chickpeas can be purchased as dried or canned?

6. Did you know that chickpeas have a nutlike flavor?

7. Did you know chickpea seeds contain 20% protein, 5% fat and 55% carbohydrate?

8. Did you know chickpeas are high in soluble fiber which may lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels?

Remember
Include 5 - 9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day!