Types of Legumes
Legumes include all forms of beans and peas from the Fabaceae (or Leguminosae) botanical family. There are thousands of different species of legume plants. The legume family of plants includes …
Legume Facts
Peanuts
Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) or “groundnuts” as they are commonly referred to, belong to the bean and legume family. Unlike tree nuts that grow above the ground, peanuts grow below the …
Nutrient Composition of Legumes
The table below lists some of the key nutrients that grains/legumes contain and the proportion contribution to the Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDI) for each.
Sustainability & Pulses
Pulses, also known as legumes, are a group of plant-based foods that include lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas. They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and a range of …
Chickpeas
There are two types of chickpea distinguished by their seed size, shape and colour. Desi chickpeas, the smaller variety are wrinkled in appearance and may be brown, yellow, orange, black …
Legumes and Health
Legumes such as beans, lentils, peas and soy foods are an important part of a healthy diet for all Australians. Legumes have been shown to help manage both cholesterol and …
Beans
Beans are a staple ingredient in dishes around the world from Egypt and Italy to Mexico and Brazil. There are many different types of beans used for different flavours and …
Peas
The field pea is one of the first crops domesticated by humans. Most (>90%) of the peas produced in Australia are the Dun type, which are a round dimpled seed …
Allergies and Intolerances to Legumes
Legume Allergy Legumes are an important part of a healthy, balanced diet for most people. However, some people have conditions that require them to limit or avoid certain legumes. Regulations …
Lentils
The lentil is one of the oldest food crops known. In 2008 Australia was ranked as the world’s 3rd largest exporter of lentils behind Canada and USA. Virtually the entire …
Legumes Cooking Tips
Dried Legumes Many people think dried legumes are hard to prepare and need hours of soaking and boiling before you can use them. This just isn’t true as there is …
Lupins
Lupins are a relatively little-known legume, previously produced mostly for animal feed, however lupins are now being increasingly recognised for their amazing nutritional benefits and versatility in food. Two types …