Common Pulse Varieties
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
Large (Kabuli)
Small (Desi)
Lentils
Green (most common)
Red
Small Brown
French Green
Black
Dry Peas
Split Green
Split Yellow
Whole Green
Whole Yellow
Beans
Adzuki
Black
Blackeye Peas
Kidney (Dark Red)
Kidney (Light Red)
Great Northern
Navy
Pinto
Fava
Small Red
Mung
Lima
Cranberry
Pink
Pulse Benefits
Pulses are an excellent source of protein, fiber and other key nutrients.
There are thousands of ways to enjoy pulses, from the main course to soups, salads, dips and more!
Pulses are one of the most cost-effective proteins around, at approximately 10 cents per serving.
Pulse crops are water efficient, drought tolerant and frost hardy, and have a low carbon footprint.
Pulse vs. Legume – What’s the Difference?
Pulses are part of the legume family (any plants that grow in pods), but the term “pulse” refers only to the dry edible seed within the pod. Beans, lentils, chickpeas and split peas are the most common types of pulses. Pulses are special because they have distinct health benefits apart from other legumes. Unlike legumes like peanuts and soy, for example, pulses are low in fat and very high in protein and fiber.
Environmentally Friendly Crops
In addition to being good for you, pulses are also good for the Earth! Pulses are nitrogen-fixing crops, which means they can convert nitrogen in the air into a plant available nutrient. Pulses can reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers, ultimately improving the environmental sustainability of annual cropping systems.