WORLD PULSES DAY (2023) | WHY WE SHOULD CELEBRATE WORLD PULSES DAY

The United Nations has declared 2023 to be celebrated on February 10th each year World Pulses Day in an effort to shine a light on the importance of pulses (edible dry seeds) as part of healthy diets. Pulses are a nutritional powerhouse, offering essential vitamins, minerals and fibre. They’re also an important source of protein for vegetarians and vegans and can help reduce food insecurity around the world.

With World Pulses Day 2023 just around the corner, now is the time to learn more about these incredible plants and their potential to provide sustenance for people everywhere. In this blog post, we’ll explore what pulses have to offer, why they’re so important, and how you can get involved in celebrating World Pulses Day 2023.

Table of Contents

What are pulses?

Pulses are the dried edible seeds of legumes, and are an important part of diets around the world. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals, and can be used in many different recipes. Pulse crops include chickpeas, lentils, beans, and peas.

Pulses are often used as a replacement for meat in vegetarian and vegan dishes. They are also popular in soups, stews, and curries. Pulse flour can be used to make breads, cakes, and pastries.

Pulses can be bought dry or canned. You can also find them in some instant foods like pasta sauce and soup mix.

Nutritional value of pulses

Pulses are an important source of nutrition and have been shown to provide numerous health benefits. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals, and they are low in fat and calories. Pulses contain phytonutrients that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular properties.

Pulses are an excellent source of plant-based protein. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. In addition, pulses are a good source of several minerals, including iron, potassium, and magnesium.

Pulses are low in fat and calories. One cup of cooked lentils contains only about 230 calories and 1 gram of fat. This makes them a great food choice for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Pulses contain phytonutrients that have numerous health benefits. These compounds include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and compounds that help lower cholesterol levels.

The different types of pulses

There are many different types of pulses, including lentils, beans, peas, and chickpeas. Each type of pulse has its own unique flavor and texture, making it ideal for a variety of recipes.

Lentils are one of the most popular types of pulses. They are small, round, and have a earthy flavor. Lentils are often used in soups and stews, as they absorb liquid and take on the flavors of other ingredients.

Beans are another common type of pulse. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and have a wide range of flavors. Beans are often used in chili, as they add thickness and body to the dish. Chickpeas are another type of bean that is commonly used in salads and dips.

Peas are a sweet and crunchy type of pulse that can be eaten fresh or cooked. Peas are often used in soups and stews, as they add sweetness and texture to the dish.

Pulses are a nutritious and versatile food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Try experimenting with different types of pulses to find your favorite!

How to cook pulses

Pulses are a nutrient-rich, sustainable and affordable food, making them an ideal choice for those looking to improve their diets. Here are some tips on how to cook with pulses:

Soak your pulses overnight before cooking to reduce cooking time and make them more digestible.
Rinse cooked pulses thoroughly before eating to remove any residual starch.
Add spices or other flavorful ingredients while cooking to enhance the flavor of your dish.
Pair pulses with other foods such as rice, quinoa, or vegetables to create a complete meal.

Recipes featuring pulses

Pulses are an important part of many diets around the world. They are a great source of protein and fiber, and they can be used in a variety of recipes.

On World Pulses Day, we celebrate the many ways that pulses can be used in cooking. Here are some of our favorite recipes that feature pulses:

-Lentil soup: This classic soup is made with lentils, vegetables, and herbs. It’s hearty and filling, and it’s perfect for a cold winter day.

-Black bean chili: This chili is made with black beans, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s hearty and flavorful, and it makes a great meal on its own or as a side dish.

-Chickpea curry: This curry is made with chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It’s delicious served over rice or quinoa.

-Lentil patties: These patties are made with lentils, bread crumbs, eggs, and spices. They make a great vegetarian main dish or side dish.

The environmental benefits of growing pulses

Pulses are an important part of sustainable agriculture and can provide a number of environmental benefits. They are nitrogen-fixing crops, which means they can improve soil health and increase crop yields. Pulses also require less water than other types of crops, making them more drought-tolerant. In addition, pulses produce less greenhouse gas emissions than other crops, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.

Why we should celebrate World Pulses Day

Pulses are an important part of the human diet and have been consumed for centuries. They are a great source of protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Pulses are also low in fat and calories.

There are many reasons to celebrate World Pulses Day. Here are just a few:

Pulses are nutritious and provide many health benefits.
They are an important part of a sustainable diet and can help us meet our food needs in a more environmentally-friendly way.
Pulses are delicious! They can be used in so many different recipes, from soups and stews to salads and veggie burgers.
They are affordable and accessible to people all over the world.
Celebrating World Pulses Day helps increase awareness about the importance of these little powerhouses in our diets and in agriculture.

Conclusion

World Pulses Day is an important annual event sponsored by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to raise awareness about pulses. On this day, people around the world take part in various activities that advocate for sustainable development of pulse production and consumption. This year we celebrate World Pulses Day on February 10th 2023 with a special focus on how pulses can contribute to food security, nutrition and improved livelihoods in both developed and developing countries. Let’s join together on this auspicious day to ensure that pulses become an integral part of our global diet!