Year of the Pulse

The United Nations has declared 2016 as the International Year of the Pulses.

CEO of the American Pulse Association Tim McGreevey says that pulses are great as a rotational crop since they are, “unique in the plant kingdom because they are a legume, and legumes actually pull nitrogen from the air and deposit nitrogen in the soil for the following usually a cereal grain crop.”

The Northwest is the top region in the country to grow chickpeas which has seen a huge boon with the increasing interest in hummus.

Pulse crops provide double the protein of quinoa and are rich in fiber, anti-oxidants and iron and, "They’re going to be a big part of providing the solution to providing nutritious, healthy and affordable foods around the world as we increase our population.”

McGreevey says that pulses can be used in anything from breakfast cereals to smoothies, pastas and protein bars.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (590) 547-1618, or e-mail krounce@cherrycreekradio.com.