Legumes

Legumes are plants with seeds that grow in pods.  Common examples of legumes are fresh beans, fresh peas, fava beans, peanuts, and soybeans.  Legumes are loaded with health benefits and are a great addition to meals.  Included in the legume family are pulses.

The word "pulse" refers to the dry, edible seed within the pod.  Pulses include dry peas, dry beans, chickpeas, and lentils; these are great for use in soups and stews.  Pulses are considered a superfood with significant health benefits.  They are very high in fibre and protein and low in fat.

As an added benefit, legumes are also great for the soil.  They are a "nitrogen-fixing" crop which means they take naturally occurring nitrogen from the air and convert it into plant available nutrients in the soil.  This is very beneficial for subsequent crops.

Our legumes are grown on our farm near Millet, Alberta.