Chickpeas: An Economical Source of Vegetable Protein

Introduction to Chickpeas

Chickpeas: An Economical Source of Vegetable Protein

Chickpeas are a legume or bean crop that is widely favored by Indonesians. Chickpea plants are short-lived legume vegetables, bush or shrub-shaped and can be cultivated in various regions, both highlands and lowlands. Chickpeas are a source of vegetable protein that has a low glycemic index, which is beneficial for controlling blood sugar and reducing the risk of diabetes. Chickpeas can be enjoyed in a variety of ways ranging from boiled, steamed, sautéed, or roasted, then added to salads, soups, vegetables, and other dishes.

Binomial Name

Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom

Plantae

Divisi

Spermartophyta

Subdivisi

Angiospermae

Kelas

Dicotyledoneae

Ordo

Leguminales

Famili

Leguminaceae

Genus

Phaseolus

Spesies

Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Origin of Chickpeas

From the Aztecs to Indonesia

Chickpea plants (Phaseolus vulgaris) originated in Central and South America, specifically in the southern regions of Mexico and Guatemala. Chickpeas were first cultivated by the Aztecs in ancient Mexico as early as 7000 BC as a food source. Chickpeas were also most likely first used in Peru and Ecuador. In the 15th century, Spanish explorers brought chickpeas to Europe after discovering them in the Americas. Chickpeas then spread to various parts of the world and became a much-loved vegetable.

Fun Facts

Chickpeas grown in Indonesia are the result of the introduction of approximately 100 cultivars originating from Hawaii, the Netherlands and. Australia.

History

Chickpeas come from the word boontjes which means beans.

Nutrient Content of Chickpeas

Per (100 gram)

Protein

2,4 gr

Fat

0,3 gr

Carbohydrate

7,2 gr

Fiber

1,9 gr

Calcium

101 mg

Phosphor

42 mg

Sodium

8 mg

Copper

0,07 mg

Zinc

0,3 mg

Potassium

250 mg

Iron

0,7 mg

Vitamin A

772 mcg

Vitamin B1

0,05 mg

Vitamin B2

0,4 mg

Vitamin B3

2,8 mg

Vitamin C

11 mg

Key Health Benefits

Improves Female Fertility

Chickpeas are rich in iron which plays a role in improving fertility in women of reproductive age.

Maintains Heart Health

Chickpeas are rich in fiber which can help lower bad cholesterol and thus maintain heart health.

Strengthens Bones

Chickpeas are rich in vitamin K, which plays a role in bone protein formation, calcium absorption, and reducing calcium excretion from the urine.

Maintains Fetal Health

The folic acid content in chickpeas plays a role in the development of the brain and spinal cord of the fetus and prevents anemia in pregnant women.

Relieves Depression

Folic acid in chickpeas can also help prevent excess homocysteine, which can relieve and prevent depression.

Lose Weight

The fiber content of chickpeas also keeps you full for longer, helping you to lose weight.

Maintain Digestive Health

Chickpeas are rich in fiber which is beneficial for preventing constipation.

Lowers Cancer Risk

Chickpeas contain chlorophyll which plays a role in reducing carcinogenic effects, thus lowering the risk of cancer.

Chickpea Varieties

Chickpea Varieties You Should Know

Baby Kenya

An upright variety of chickpea that stands between 30-50 cm tall.

Logawa

A creeping variety of chickpea that can reach 2 meters in height.

Red Pana

A variety of chickpea cultivated in the highlands, resistant to Rust disease, has a fruit weight of 9-10 g with a yield potential of 20 - 30 tons / hectare.

Balista 1

A high-yielding chickpea variety that grows upright and is early maturing. This variety has a bluish-black seed color and a potential yield of 18.4-19 tons per hectare.

Horti 2

A creeping variety of chickpea with white seeds and sweet taste. This variety can be harvested at 53-57 days and has a yield potential of 24-37.7 tons per hectare.

MBBC 1

A free-range chickpea variety of domestic origin. This variety has green stems, delta-shaped leaves, and tapered leaf tips.

You Should Know

Chickpeas have the same scientific name as red beans, Phaseolus vulgaris. Red beans are harvested when the pods are old, while chickpeas are harvested when the pods are young.

Economic and Market Potential of Chickpeas

Chickpeas: An Export Commodity with Sweet Potential

Chickpeas are easy to cultivate and can be harvested multiple times. The profit per kilogram of chickpeas usually ranges from Rp 1,500-Rp 2,500. Chickpeas also have the potential to be exported, especially in the form of baby chickpeas because they are popular in foreign countries.