Frequently Asked Questions

What’s hummus made of?

Hummus is mashed up chickpeas blended with tahini, olive oil, sesame, lemon juice, salt and garlic. There are several variations of hummus which utilize different ingredients to add unique flavors.

What are the different types of pulses?

Dry peas, lentils, chickpeas and dry beans are the only four members of the pulses family. For more information about dry beans, visit the U.S. Dry Bean Council site here.

Does each have a different flavor?

Yes. Pulses feature a broad spectrum of hearty tastes for healthier lifestyles. Browse our recipes to find exotic new dishes as well as traditional favorites.

What’s a lentil?

A lentil is a lens-shaped seed that grows in a pod on the lentil plant. A cousin of the bean, the lentil ranges in color from red to green. Most U.S. lentils are grown in North Dakota and Montana.

How do you prepare pulses? Do they need to be soaked?

Dry peas and lentils do not require soaking. Chickpeas and other dry beans do. Cooking time for pulses can range anywhere from 10-30 minutes.

How do I cook lentils?

You boil them using three cups of liquid for each cup of lentils. Green lentils take 30 minutes while decorticated red lentils only require 8-10. For more detailed information, check out our preparation page.

Are pulses good for you?

Extremely. Pulses are 20 to 25% protein, which is double the protein content of wheat and three times that of rice. They’re also high in essential amino acids like lysine.

How much fiber is in lentils?

One cup of lentils provides over 60% of daily dietary fiber. Yeah. One cup. 60%. Goodbye, bran cereal.

What’s a chickpea?

Most Americans refer to chickpeas as garbanzo beans. Originally cultivated in the Mediterranean, chickpeas have a unique shape that resembles the beak of a baby chick, hence the name.

What’s the difference between a pea and a bean?

Peas are a cool season crop that’s grown in the Northern plains. Beans thrive in the warmer climates of the Midwest and Southern California. Peas grow on a vine while beans grow in a pod on a bush. Peas also mature and harvest two weeks faster than beans.

What’s the difference between a pulse and a legume?

Pulses are part of the legume family. Legumes are simple dry fruits or pods that contain seeds or dry grains. Pulses are unique in that they’re dried naturally in the field instead of harvested prematurely. Pulses are also grown purely for consumption and never for oil extraction.