Chickpeas: Applications from Kitchen to Industry and Export

Chickpeas, as one of the most important legumes in the world, are not only a staple in daily diets but also have widespread applications in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and export. Here, we explore the main uses of chickpeas.

1. Food Applications

1. a) Home Consumption
   Traditionally, chickpeas are used in many Iranian and international dishes. Some of the most popular uses include:

• Stews, soups, and traditional dishes
• Cooked chickpeas for salads and soups
• Roasted chickpeas and chickpea-raisin snacks

1. b) Industrial Processing
   In the food industry, chickpeas are a key raw material for:

• Canned cooked chickpeas
• Chickpea flour for gluten-free and diet-friendly foods
• Hummus, which is especially popular in Arab countries, Europe, and the USA
• Falafel, chickpea chips, and plant-based protein snacks
• Chickpea milk as a plant-based alternative for vegetarians

2. Export Applications

Iranian chickpeas, especially desi and kabuli types, are highly sought after in global markets, including:

• India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
• Arab countries in the Persian Gulf
• Europe
• USA and Canada

High demand for quality chickpeas with standard packaging and competitive pricing makes it a strategic export commodity.

3. Applications in Special Diets

Chickpeas have gained attention in recent years due to their unique nutritional properties:

• Vegetarians: A key source of plant-based protein
• Gluten-sensitive individuals: Chickpea flour is gluten-free
• Athletes: Rich in protein and carbohydrates
• Diabetics: Low glycemic index helps control blood sugar

4. Pharmaceutical and Traditional Medicine Applications

In traditional Iranian medicine, chickpeas are considered a strengthening and therapeutic food:

• General body tonic
• Supports digestion and reduces bloating
• Helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels
• Beneficial for improving anemia and physical weakness

5. Agricultural and Industrial Applications

1. a) Green Manure
   As a legume, chickpeas can fix nitrogen in the soil. Therefore:

• They are used in crop rotation with wheat, barley, or corn
• They improve soil fertility and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers

1. b) Animal Feed
   By-products like chickpea hulls, leaves, and residues after harvest can be used to feed livestock and poultry.
2. c) Advanced Food Industry
   In modern industries, pea protein isolate is extracted from chickpeas and used in:

• Sports supplements
• Energy drinks
• Plant-based sausages and burgers

This product also holds significant export value.

6. Innovative and Future-Oriented Applications

Recent research has shown that chickpeas can also be used in:

• Bioplastics production from chickpea starch
• Bioenergy generation from chickpea waste
• Dietary and pharmaceutical supplements using chickpea fiber

Conclusion

Chickpeas are more than just a simple legume—they are a strategic product with diverse applications. At Khodaiari Chickpea Trading Group, we provide a wide range of chickpeas in various sizes and qualities to meet the needs of food industries, export companies, and the domestic market.