World Pulses Day

World Pulses Day History

World Pulses Day recognizes the importance of pulses as a vital source of plant-based protein and essential nutrients. This special day highlights the significant role pulses play in contributing to food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. As a result, it aims to encourage people to incorporate pulses into their daily diets, while also stressing the need for continued research and investment in pulse production.

The United Nations General Assembly designated World Pulses Day in 2018, following the success of the International Year of Pulses in 2016. This observance holds particular relevance for Canada, as the country is one of the world's leading producers and exporters of pulses, including lentils, peas, and beans. The Canadian pulse industry is a valuable contributor to the national economy and supports sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, which promotes biodiversity and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, by engaging with World Pulses Day, Canadians can express support for their local farmers, promote environmental sustainability, and embrace the nutritional benefits of pulses.

Typical customs for World Pulses Day in Canada involve individual and collective efforts to raise awareness of the nutritional value and sustainability of pulses. Various organizations and educational institutions may host events or seminars, offering opportunities for Canadians to learn more about the benefits of incorporating pulses into their diets. Social media platforms also become a hub for sharing recipes, personal experiences, and ideas surrounding the theme. World Pulses Day is observed globally every year on February 10th, Canadians are encouraged to actively embrace the benefits of pulses all year round, both for their own health and the wellbeing of the planet.

Facts about World Pulses Day

• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN recognizes 11 different types of pulses: dry beans, dry broad beans, dry peas, chickpeas, cow peas, pigeon peas, lentils, Bambara beans, vetches, lupins, and pulses nes (not elsewhere specified).
• According to pulses.org, the first evidence of pulses dates back 11,000 years ago to the Fertile Crescent. This is a region in the Middle East that was home to early human civilizations.
• Pulses with the most protein per 1/2 cup are:
  1) Great Norther Beans - 9.7 grams
  2) Lentils - 9 grams
  3) Split Peas - 8.2 grams
  4) Black Beans - 7.6 grams
• Growing pulses can improve soil health as they have the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. This contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions and supports sustainable agriculture practices.
• Canada has been growing pulses for over a century, with records of their cultivation dating back to as early as 1895, when the first commercial varieties of dry peas and lentils were grown.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Pulses Day

Top things to do in Canada for World Pulses Day

• Learn more about pulses and their benefits with an educational video by the FAO.
• Learn about the Global Pulse Confederation, a not for profit hoping to create an inclusive global pulse organization.
• Attend ‘Pulse Feast’ Cooking Demonstrations: These are arranged in various cities across Canada where professional chefs showcase how to use pulses in everyday cooking in a delicious, nutritional, and sustainable way.