The Scoop on Pulses
Last Updated on February 8, 2023 by TheFarmChicken
Hello to you! Well, it’s definitely winter. We have hit negative temperatures and we got another light dusting of snow over the farm today. Do you have snow on the ground where you live? It is so much prettier than everything being brown, and I enjoy it for the most part. Plus, we could use the moisture the snow brings to start out the 2023 planting season.
So, what are Pulses? Do you know?
I didn’t until a little while ago and now I want to share with you. In short, a pulse is a dried edible seed within a legume plant. Let’s dig in and get the Scoop on Pulses. 😉
I learned so much about Pulses when I was doing continuing
education for my credential. A speaker talked a lot about them. They have so much to offer both nutritionally and as an affordable food option. Let’s learn what they are, what they can do for you and how to use them.
Pulses consist of:
· Lentils
Commonly used in green salads, or an addition to soup.
· Beans
Most commonly used pulse in the USA and can be used in a variety
of dishes. Baked beans, refried beans, chili, enchiladas, bean dips and much
more.
· Chickpeas
Commonly used in hummus or roasted.
· Dried Peas
Use them in soups or try roasting them!
You can purchase pulses dry in both bulk or smaller bags or canned at your grocery store
Nutritional
Benefits of Pulses
Pulses are a source of fiber, protein, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and folate. They also are low in fat.
Think of them as a powerhouse of nutrition…low in fat, high in essential nutrients and so many nutrients at that.
They are inexpensive and store well, which just adds to the sensibility for them to be on your pantry shelf and your table. Food costs don’t seem to be getting any lower; let’s use our money well and get the best nutrition for our bodies in the most economical way.
Do you remember this blog post on carbohydrates?
We talked about simple and complex carbohydrates. Well Pulses are a complex carbohydrate. A great option of energy for your body.
I thought it would be helpful to provide one of my favorite ways to eat pulses. Here is a recipe from my Mom’s kitchen for Calico Baked Beans. Serve it with cornbread or sourdough bread and you have a great supper or dinner. By the way don’t tell her I put the recipe on here…just kidding, I asked first. 🙂
How do you/ will you incorporate pulses into your everyday diet? Tell me below! 🙂
Mariah Nienhuis, NDTR
*Note: This post is intended for the general healthy population. It is not personalized nutrition advice and if you are in need of this please visit your doctor/health care professional for specific advice. *
Here is a resource I found interesting about Pulses. Check it out!
Take thou also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentiles, and millet, and fitches, and put them in one vessel, and make thee bread thereof,… Ezekial 4:9a
