By 2032, the average person is expected to consume 8.6 kg of pulses, the dry, edible seeds of legume plants, each year. World Pulses Day celebrates the significant impact of these beans, lentils and chickpeas, which extends far beyond the kitchen. Pulses support rural economies, strengthen food systems and continue to prove that the future of food is small, round and remarkably resilient.
High in protein and built to last, pulses aren’t going anywhere as global production nears 125 million tonnes by 2032. Photo credit: Pexels.
Tiny seeds, massive impact
Pulses include lentils, chickpeas and beans. Once considered “poor man’s food,” they are now recognized as a global priority. The United Nations designated Feb. 10 as World Pulses Day to raise awareness of their crucial role in nutrition, food security and sustainable agriculture. For many communities, these seeds are far more than a simple ingredient; they are a vital source of nourishment that supports daily survival.
A nutritious powerhouse
With 733 million people worldwide facing food insecurity, pulses stand out as one of the simplest and most powerful tools to fight hunger. Affordable, filling and packed with protein, fiber, iron and essential minerals, beans and lentils support long-term health, with regular consumption linked to lower cholesterol and a reduced risk of heart disease. Their shelf-stable nature makes them a dependable source of nourishment, especially in places where meat and dairy are hard to come by.
The positive impact of pulses is visible in Peru’s Andean highlands, where tarwi seeds grow at elevations above 2,000 meters. With nearly 40% protein, tarwi helps nourish high-altitude communities. Peru is also the birthplace of butter beans, now enjoyed around the world for their creamy texture and nutrient density. From remote mountain villages to bustling cities, pulses make healthy diets more accessible, wherever people live.
Beans that taste like home everywhere
From family tables to cultural celebrations, pulses carry a wealth of history in every bite. These seeds are more than a dietary staple; they are living legacies that exist in rituals and recipes of nearly every society on Earth. Grown in almost every climate, pulses have become a universal language of comfort and resilience.
Regional seasoning blends and cooking styles turn pulses into various beloved national dishes. In India, lentils simmer into steaming bowls of dal, a dish that dates back to the Bronze Age. In East Asia, adzuki beans are used to make sweet red bean paste for pastries and festival desserts. From savory stews to celebratory sweets, nearly every culture has a pulse dish that represents the true taste of home. World Pulses Day honors the lasting impact of pulses, which have nourished generations.
Sowing the seeds of financial independence
Pulses empower rural livelihoods, providing economic opportunities for women and young people in agricultural communities. In areas where jobs are scarce, pulse production becomes a reliable source of income and a pathway toward financial independence.
One place where this story comes to life is Berd, Armenia. Through the Berd Bean Women’s Association, supported by the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization, local women turn generational farming knowledge into professional success. By combining traditional bean cultivation with new training in business and marketing, these women have learned to negotiate fairer prices and secure contracts with regional supermarkets. In Berd and beyond, pulses are a catalyst for change, proving that a humble crop can strengthen a community’s entire economy.
Good for the planet, too
Few foods work as hard for the planet as beans and lentils. They use far less water than many other protein sources and have a unique ability to pull nitrogen from the air and return it to the soil, naturally enriching farmland and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
In the field, these crops also support biodiversity and help protect ecosystems from erosion and pests. As farming costs rise and environmental pressures grow, beans and lentils provide farmers a practical and resilient option. From the field to a simple bowl of chickpea chili, pulses help move agriculture toward a more sustainable, lower-carbon future.
From stew to brownies
Humans have been growing and eating pulses for more than 11,000 years, yet the ways they are used continue to evolve. Once associated mainly with soups, stews and simple flours, beans, lentils and peas are now being reimagined in creative forms that reflect changing tastes and dietary habits.
Black bean brownies turn a pantry staple into a rich, flourless vegan dessert. Yellow split peas replace meat in wonton fillings mixed with fresh herbs. Lentil sloppy Joes offer a budget-friendly, plant-based twist on a classic, delivering smoky, savory flavor alongside fiber and protein. Endlessly adaptable, pulses slip easily into new recipes while still delivering the nutrition that has sustained people for generations.
Feeding the future, one pulse at a time
World Pulses Day is an opportunity to give beans and lentils the credit they deserve. Rooted in culture, packed with nutrition and easy on the planet, pulses are especially relevant in an era defined by climate pressures and food insecurity. They’ve outlasted every food trend simply by being reliable, affordable and delicious. Sometimes the future of food isn’t something new at all, but a handful of small, ancient seeds already sitting in the pantry.
Kristen Wood is an award-winning photographer, food writer, recipe developer and certified functional nutrition expert. She is also the creator of MOON and spoon and yum, a vegetarian food blog, and the author of “Vegetarian Family Cookbook,” “Fermented Hot Sauce Cookbook” and “Hot Sauce Cookbook for Beginners.” Her work has appeared in various online and print publications, including NBC, Seattle Times, ABC, Elle, Fox, CBS, Forbes, Chicago Sun-Times and more.
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