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Description
Cicer Arietinum, commonly known as chickpea or garbanzo bean, is a legume that belongs to the plant family Fabaceae. It is a highly nutritious and versatile crop that is widely cultivated for its edible seeds. Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a healthy addition to any diet. Chickpeas can be consumed in a variety of ways, including roasted, boiled, mashed, or ground into flour for use in baking.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Cicer |
Appearance
Chickpeas are a small, round, and beige-colored legume with a nutty and creamy flavor. The plant grows up to 20-50 cm in height and has compound leaves with three leaflets. The flowers are white or pink and have a papilionaceous corolla. The fruit is a pod that contains 1-3 seeds. Chickpeas come in two main varieties: the larger Kabuli and the smaller Desi. Kabuli chickpeas have a thin skin and a smooth texture, while Desi chickpeas have a thicker skin and a more granular texture.
Care Guide
Chickpeas are a hardy crop that requires minimal care. Here are some guidelines for growing and caring for chickpeas:- Water: Chickpeas need regular watering, especially during the flowering and pod-filling stages. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Chickpeas do not require much fertilizer. A light application of nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the vegetative stage can help boost growth.- Soil: Chickpeas prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 to 7.5.- Sunlight: Chickpeas require full sun exposure to grow and produce healthy pods.- Hardiness Zones: Chickpeas are best grown in temperate regions with a long growing season. They can tolerate some cold but are sensitive to frost.
Common Pests & Diseases
Chickpeas are susceptible to several pests and diseases that can affect their growth and yield. Some common pests and diseases that affect chickpeas include:- Fusarium wilt: A fungal disease that causes yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunting of plant growth, and poor pod development.- Aphids: Tiny insects that suck sap from the plant and cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and distorted pods.- Cutworms: Larvae of moths that feed on the stem of the plant and cut it off at the base, causing plant death.- Root rot: A fungal disease that causes the roots to rot, leading to poor growth and yield.To prevent these pests and diseases, it is important to maintain good soil health, practice crop rotation, and use disease-resistant varieties of chickpeas.
Habitat
Chickpeas are native to the Mediterranean and Middle East but are now widely cultivated in temperate regions around the world. They can grow in a variety of soil types and climatic conditions. Chickpeas are typically grown as a rotation crop with cereals or other legumes.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the nutritional value of chickpeas?
A: Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are low in fat and calories and can help lower cholesterol levels and improve digestion.
Q: How do you cook chickpeas?
A: Chickpeas can be boiled, roasted, or pressure-cooked. They can also be mashed and used to make hummus or falafel.
Q: Can chickpeas be grown indoors?
A: Chickpeas are best grown outdoors in a garden or field. They require full sun exposure and ample space to grow.
Q: What is the difference between Kabuli and Desi chickpeas?
A: Kabuli chickpeas are larger and have a thin skin and smooth texture. Desi chickpeas are smaller and have a thicker skin and more granular texture.
Related Plants
– Lentil (Lens culinaris)- Pea (Pisum sativum)- Soybean (Glycine max)- Kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)
References
– “Chickpea.” Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/plant/chickpea- “Growing Chickpeas.” The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/growing-chickpeas-1403131- “Chickpea Diseases and Pests.” Plant Village. https://www.plantvillage.org/en/topics/chickpea-diseases-and-pests/diseases_and_pests_description_uses_propagation
