chickpeas

origin:

chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, belong to the earliest cultivated legumes. remains of chickpeas that have been found date back over 7500 ago. the oldest ones were found in turkey, it is therefore believed that turkey is one of the first countries that cultivated them. chickpeas are actually the seeds of the plant and grow on bushes as green little balls (pods) that are attached to the stems of a leafy plant. after being harvested they are often sold dried or cooked and canned. they are still most popular in eastern countries but with the rise of a plantbased diet in western cultures, they are gaining popularity quick in other parts of the world.

properties: 

chickpeas are loaded with nutrients and healthy carbs, fats and protein. one cup contains about 269 calories, 45 grams of carbs, 14.5 grams of protein, 12.5 grams of fibre and only 4.2 grams of fat. they further contain folate, iron, phosphorus, copper and manganese.

benefits:

chickpeas are a great addition to your diet as their high fibre content helps to keep you satiated. these higher levels of satiety is what makes chickpeas great for people who want to lose weight without feeling hungry. they also have a low GI (glycemic index) which helps stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent cravings. other benefits include the positive effect on the bowel movement as well as the protection against several diseases. the copper and iron in chickpeas enable the body to form red blood cells, maintain healthy bones, blood vessels nerves and immune function and contribute to a better absorption of iron. folate on the other hand is essential for women to have a healthy pregnancy.

use:

like mentioned earlier, chickpeas can be bought both dried and already cooked and canned. for people with a sensitive digestion canned chickpeas usually work better as well as removing the soft skins around the peas before eating them. chickpeas taste great in tomato-based dishes, together with feta or curries, but they can also be made into burger patties as a substitute for meat burgers.

looking for more? just come by and visit our restaurant in the city centre of groningen and hamburg. we offer fresh, healthy, and delicious vegan bowls for pickup and delivery!