National Chickpea Day is observed every April 21 in the United States. The purpose of this day is to celebrate this amazing legume: the chickpea. Did you know that chickpeas can be eaten in the morning, the afternoon, and at night? You can eat chickpeas whenever you want! A key ingredient in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines is chickpea. It is used in hummus and falafel, two typical chickpea dishes. It is also important in Indian cuisine, as it is used in salads, soups, stews, and curries, with chana masala being one of the most popular ones.
History of National Chickpea Day
Chickpeas are one of the earliest cultivated legumes in history. Chickpeas were found in the Middle East roughly 7,500 years ago. These chickpeas were found in the aceramic levels of Jericho and Çayönü, meaning that humans had been cultivating chickpeas since before they could produce pottery! Other samples of chickpeas have been found in Neolithic pottery in Hacilar, Turkey. They also appeared throughout history in Greece, France, and other areas of Europe.They were also present in literature around 800 A.D. with Charlemagne’s “Capitulare de villis”. In this text, Charlemagne describes how chickpeas were grown in each imperial demesne. Albert Magnus also mentions chickpeas in three different colors. In 1793, chickpeas were also mentioned by a German writer. Germany later used this knowledge to grow chickpeas during World War I.The word ‘chickpea’ comes from the French ‘chiche’ and the Latin ‘cicer.’ The word ‘chickpea’ was first found in English print in 1338, which was later cited by mid-18th century dictionaries. In 1548, the Oxford English Dictionary noted, “Cicer may be named in English Cich, or ciche pease, after the Frenche [sic] tongue.” ‘Garbanzo,’ the Spanish term for chickpea, comes from a compound of ‘garau,’ meaning ‘seed,’ and ‘antzu,’ meaning ‘dry.’
National Chickpea Day timeline
The word ‘chickpea’ is first found in English print and is later cited by mid-18th century dictionaries.
The definition “Cicer may be named in English Cich, or ciche pease, after the Frenche [sic] tongue” is included in the dictionary.
This knowledge is later used in Germany to grow chickpeas during World War I.
This day is created by Hippeas.
National Chickpea Day FAQs
How many chickpeas can I eat in a day?
Up to a quarter cup of chickpeas daily is allowed if you have digestive issues.
How are chickpeas sold?
Chickpeas can be bought dried or canned, and they can be found in grocery stores, organic food stores, and bulk food stores.
What is the family name of chickpeas?
The family name of chickpeas is ‘legume.’
National Chickpea Day Activities
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Cook a delicious dish using chickpeas
Chickpeas can be used to prepare breakfast, lunch, and even dessert! Look up a recipe online and start creating.
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Go to an Indian restaurant
Chickpeas are widely used in Indian dishes. You can celebrate this day by eating outside with your friends and trying different Indian dishes with chickpeas.
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Try different types of legumes
Chickpeas are a legume, but they are not the only ones. You can take this opportunity to try different types of legumes.
5 Benefits Of Eating Chickpeas
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They offer a variety of nutrients
They are a rich source of vitamins, such as the B vitamin folate, and manganese.
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They keep you feeling full
The protein and fiber in chickpeas can keep your appetite under control.
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They are high in protein
Chickpeas are high in protein, so they make an excellent replacement for meat in many vegetarian and vegan dishes.
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They help you manage your weight
Due to their filling effects, chickpeas may aid weight management.
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They support blood sugar regulation
Chickpeas help manage your blood sugar levels in multiple ways.
Why We Love National Chickpea Day
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Chickpeas are cheap
Chickpeas are inexpensive and available in almost every grocery store. You can also find chickpeas at the supermarket.
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Chickpeas are good for your health
Chickpeas help reduce your risk of several chronic illnesses, like cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases. We love this about them!
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Chickpeas can be eaten in almost every dish
As mentioned before, chickpeas can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert. Do not miss trying this amazing legume in its various forms.
National Chickpea Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 21 | Friday |
| 2024 | April 21 | Sunday |
| 2025 | April 21 | Monday |
| 2026 | April 21 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | April 21 | Wednesday |
