World Pulses Day
These plant-based protein sources offer nutrition, sustainability, and versatility, enriching meals and promoting health and wellness.
The dried seeds of legumes, pulses are among some of the world’s most sustainable food sources. Chock full of nutrients with a high content of protein, pulses make an excellent dietary staple particularly in places where meat and dairy products are not as accessible.
World Pulses Day is here to draw attention to and raise awareness about the health benefits of this extremely climate-friendly and healthy food!
History of World Pulses Day
Pulses have been brought to the attention of the world, especially within the last decade. In fact, in 2013 the United Nations General Assembly made preparations for declaring 2016 as the International Year of Pulses, and leading the charge was the Food and Agriculture Organization.
As a follow up to this, the intention for World Pulses Day was declared by the UN in 2018 as a way to move forward with the focus on legumes for one day each year. The inaugural event was celebrated in 2019 and it has happened annually ever since. This day pairs well with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development because, in addition to providing healthy food sources, pulses use low water, improve soil fertility, promote farming biodiversity, and mitigate the need for synthetic fertilizers by keeping pests and diseases at bay.
Working to increase public awareness about the nutritional and environmental benefits of these dried foods, World Pulses Day brings everyone together to equip families, individuals, communities and business owners with the information they need to make healthy, climate-friendly choices.
How to Celebrate World Pulses Day
Make a difference locally and all the world over by spreading the word about World Pulses Day! Show some appreciation for this event and get connected through some of these delightful ideas:
Learn More About Pulses
Get involved with World Pulses Day by learning a little bit more about this interesting and fascinating food source. Check out some fun facts about legumes and share them on social media to increase the impact and range of this day:
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While “legumes” are all plants that belong to the Leguminosae family, the “pulses” are only the dried seeds
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The chickpea is a pulse that is known to be highly drought tolerant, making it excellent for growing in arid or drought-prone places
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Pulses provide food security because they are dried which means they can be stored for a long time without losing nutritional value
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Due to their high amounts of folate, pulses are especially beneficial to women and children
Cook with Pulses
Beans, chickpeas and lentils are all useful in cooking, providing healthy nutrition and ease of use. World Pulses Day is a great time to get connected and make plans to add pulses to the grocery list and family menu. Get online and look into some different recipe ideas for celebrating this day with a variety of options:
- Vegan Cottage Pie with Green Lentils
- Crispy Baked Falafel with Dried Chickpeas
- Smoky Mushroom and Red Lentil Pate
- Chickpea Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce
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