PULSES

Introduction

Pulses differ from other harvested grains as it is considered dry grains, which yield between one to twelve gains. Based on the types, pulses are categorised into major and minor pulses categories. These grains are beneficial for health as consumption of these seeds can be nutritious for the human body. Apart from that, these are also easier to cook; thus, adding pulses into the daily meal course is effective. Due to its sustainable impact on the environment and economic benefits, 173 countries have grown these grains from 2010 to 2013. These can be grown in the dry region, as pulses require less water to grow compared to other crops. 

Pulses

Origin of pulses

Pulses are considered as one the oldest crops in the world because the first evidence of this cultivation comes from 11000 years ago. These seeds are mainly begun to harvest in the Middle Eastern Civilisation, as these require less water to grow. Due to the less-water capacity, these crops became common in the Middle Eastern dry region. Thus, these crops have a long history of origin as these can be found in the earliest civilisation of humans.  Differences in the origin of variant types of pulses can be observed, for example, peas are found 5000 years ago in the Eastern Mediterranean and Mesopotamian regions. However, these have been harvested in Britain in the eleventh century; thus, changes in the time of harvesting can be seen here. These seeds are considered nitrogen-fixing crops due to the nitrogen fixation ability from air to the soil. Thus, these are considered as one of the sustainable crops in the world relating to the healthier benefits of this consumption. Harvesting these crops helps to improve the annual cropping pattern because these are effective for the reduction of nitrogen demand in framing. Considering the importance of these crops, the Food and Agriculture Organisation has declared 2016 as the International Year of pulses. 

Meaning of legumes

Legumes are a type of plant of the Fabaceae family known as the Fabaceae or Leguminosae. These are the third largest flowering plant species in the world as it has more than 20000 different species. The main difference between legumes and pulses is that pulses are a part of legumes; however, legumes have more variety of species than pulses. Some similarities between pulses and legumes can be seen as pulses being a part of this family. For example, like pulses, legumes are also a nutritious staple that consists of protein, fibre, vitamins and complex carbohydrates. Thus, the consumption of these plants can be helpful for the health and growth of a person. Other than that, legumes can also be used for other agricultural applications like livestock feed and fertilizer. Various uses of these plants can be done as leaves, stems and pods are used by harvesters in the agriculture field. However, pulses only the seeds of the plants thus, these are only used for human consumption. Legumes are also used for the dietary guidelines, as highly nutritious foods can help in the protein and nutrition complex. Consumption of these plants is recommended by U.S Dietary Guidelines, National Heart and Lung Institute. 

Types of pulses 

Various types of pulses can be observed in the world depending on the region, climate and harvesters’ preferences. According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), major pulses can be categorised into eleven categories. These are dry peas, dry beans, chickpeas, dry broad beans, cowpeas, pulses, pigeon peas, lentils, lupins, vetches and Bambara beans. Therefore, these eleven types of pulses are the most commonly used grain crops for nutrition and protein complex. However, some minor variations of these pulses can also be seen that are not used often. Based on the region, the difference in these pulse categories can be seen, for example, two types of chickpeas are present in India. Kabuli and Desi are the two types of chickpeas whereas green, red, small brown, French green and black are the various types of lentils. Dry peas can be categorised into four, these are Split green, Split Yellow, Whole Green and Whole Yellow. However, most of the variety can be observed for beans as Adzuki, Black, Blackeye Peas, Kidney, Great Northern, Navy, Pinto, Fava, Small red, Mung, Lima, Pink and Cranberry are one of these. These versatile characteristics of pulses are one of the reasons of its popularity in various countries. Other than that, all of these pulses are affordable which makes it easier to add these into the meal course.

Conclusion 

This study guide has discussed the meaning and origin of pulses relating to the usefulness of the crops. It has been identified that pulses were harvested first in the Middle Eastern region 11000 years ago. However, differences in variant forms of the grain can be seen because peas were harvested first 5000 years ago. Pulses are a part of legumes thus; it is only the edible part of the legume plants. Differences in the types of pulses can be observed based on the region, climate and soil type. However, harvesting these seeds requires less water, which makes it easier to harvest in the dry climate.