National Chickpea Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

In the United States, the 21st of April is commemorated annually as National Chickpea Day. This day was created to draw attention to one of the world’s most remarkable legumes: the chickpea. Did you know that you can consume chickpeas in the morning, in the afternoon, and even in the evening? You are free to consume chickpeas anytime you please. Chickpeas are an essential component of the food found in both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Hummus and falafel, two foods that are typically made with chickpeas, both make use of it. It is particularly significant in Indian cooking since it is used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, stews, and curries. Chana masala is one of the most well-known examples of these dishes.

The background of National Chickpea Day

The cultivation of chickpeas can be traced back to some of the earliest times in the history of agriculture. Approximately 7,500 years ago, chickpeas were first discovered in the Middle East. Because of the discovery of these chickpeas in the aceramic levels of Jericho and ayonu, we know that humans have been cultivating chickpeas even before they were able to make pottery. Additional chickpea remains were discovered in the pottery of the Neolithic period that was unearthed at Hacilar, Turkey. In addition, there is historical evidence that they were present in Greece, France, and other regions of Europe.

They also appeared in writing in the year 800 A.D., specifically in the “Capitulare de villis” written by Charlemagne. In this document, Charlemagne explains the cultivation of chickpeas in each demesne that belonged to the empire. In addition to that, Albert Magnus talks of chickpeas of three distinct colours. A German author also made reference of chickpeas in their work in the year 1793. After that, Germany put this expertise to use during World War I by cultivating chickpeas.

The word “chickpea” originates from the French word “chiche” as well as the Latin word “cicer.” The term “chickpea” was first recorded in written English in the year 1338, and it was not included in dictionaries until the middle of the 18th century. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, which was first published in 1548, “Cicer may be named in English Cich, or ciche pease, after the Frenche [sic] tongue.” The word ‘garbanzo,’ which is Spanish for chickpea, is a composite word that derives from the words ‘garau,’ which means’seed,’ and ‘antzu,’ which means ‘dry.’

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ACTIVITIES RELATED TO NATIONAL CHICKPEA DAY

Create a mouthwatering recipe by utilising chickpeas.

Chickpeas are so versatile that they may be used to make everything from breakfast to dessert! Find a recipe you like online, and get started cooking!

Go to an Indian restaurant

The usage of chickpeas in Indian cuisine is very common. This day can be commemorated by going to an outside restaurant with a group of friends and sampling a variety of Indian cuisines that feature chickpeas.

Experiment with a wide variety of legumes.

Although chickpeas are a type of legume, there are many other types as well. You can make the most of this chance by experimenting with a wide variety of legumes.

5 BENEFITS OF EATING CHICKPEAS

They include a substantial amount of vitamins, including the B vitamin folate, in addition to the mineral manganese.

Chickpeas include a good amount of protein and fibre, both of which can help you regulate your hunger.

Because of their high protein content, chickpeas are a good choice as a substitute for meat in a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan cuisines.

The satiating quality of chickpeas makes them a potentially useful food for weight management.

In a variety of different ways, chickpeas can help you better manage your blood sugar levels.

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