What are Pulses?

The FAQ recognizes eleven varieties of pulses as part of its food portfolio: dry beans, dry broad beans, dry peas, chickpeas, cow peas, pigeon peas, lentils, Bambara beans, vetches, and lupins. Pulses are edible seeds belonging to the legume family, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. These seeds are typically found growing in pods.

• Pulses are annual crops that produce between one and 12 grains or seeds when harvested as dry grains.
• These grains are distinct from other vegetable crops, which are harvested while still green.
• It is believed that lentils were among the first agricultural crops ever grown, originating in the Near East and then spreading to the Mediterranean, Asia, Europe, and finally the Western Hemisphere.

It is believed that lentils were among the first agricultural crops ever grown, originating in the Near East and then spreading to the Mediterranean, Asia, Europe, and finally the Western Hemisphere.